NI offices searched in Stg£4 million fraud probe

Offices were searched in Armagh and Antrim as part of a probe into a major fraud which

Offices were searched in Armagh and Antrim as part of a probe into a major fraud which

involved investors on both sides of the border being swindled out of as much as £4 million sterling.

Raids were carried out by members of the PSNI's economic crime bureau investigating the alleged scam after people were asked to contribute funds to facilitate the closure of a Stg£25 million Nigerian petroleum corporation contract.

Large returns were allegedly promised in exchange for assistance in the transferring of funds from Nigeria.

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One Northern Ireland businessman lost Stg£2m last year, according to police in Belfast who are co-ordinating the inquiry.

He was one of a number of victims of the fraud, believed to be the largest of its type to date, a spokesman said. No arrests were made during today's operation.

The police spokesman added: "In the past fraudsters have deceived innocent investors with the promise of high returns with the sole intention of soliciting money in the form of the advance fees."

PA