Alleged fraud: Koudeih’s taste would make any Arabian prince envious —EFCC.click to read..

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has provided more insight into the lifestyle of suspected Internet fraudster, Hamza Koudeih.

The anti-graft agency described Koudeih, a Lebanese resident of Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower, Lagos, as “steeped in money.”

“From his $1.3m [per annum] residence in Eko Atlantic Pearl Tower to his high-end automobiles, Hamza Koudeih oozes money — all of which he made doing nothing in the country but money laundering,” the EFCC claims.

The Commission adds that Koudeih “has done [money laundering] to the tune of $19m.”

In a news piece published on its website, the agency says  Koudeih “is unassuming, comes off innocuous, and given to sedentary lifestyle.”

“Within the local scene, he had high net worth allies that included social media celebrity, Ismaila Mustapha popularly known as Mompha, whom the Commission picked up on Friday, 18 October, 2019 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while he was on his way to Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Mompha’s arrest laid the path to that of Koudeih,” the Commission says.

EFCC claims that through investigation, it has been able to  establish that while Mompha, “who camouflaged as a bureau de change operator had used his firm — Ismalob Global Investments Limited —to launder about N14bn; Koudeih, through his THK Services Limited and CHK Properties Limited had laundered about N19bn.”

Evidently, the two are kingpins in a criminal web of cyber criminals who, through the three firms, laundered a jaw-dropping N33bn,” EFCC alleges.

The EFCC claims that, apart from surveillance cameras and CCTVs  that captured anyone that came within range, Koudeih’s apartment was secured three times over “with a triple reinforced fire-proof door, designed to withstand violent breaches, including bullet shots.”

The Commission said it took more than three hours before its operatives could gain entry into Koudeih’s well secured apartment.

“It was very difficult to gain entry. It was almost like a standoff. We had to send for reinforcement of officers and breaching tools from the office. We had to breach the triple reinforced fire-proof door before we could get in,” head Cyber crime, EFCC, said.

Disclosing the wealth of its latest catch, the agency notes, “Inside the apartment, the décor, furniture and fittings speak of Koudeih’s high taste that would leave any Arabian prince green with envy.”

After his arrest, the EFCC said it also seized Koudeih’s laptop and mobile phone.

They are “currently undergoing forensic check-up in the anti-corruption agency’s office,” it says; adding that the suspect will “have his day in court.