Nigerian Syndicate Impersonated NAFDAC, Defrauded Foreign Businesses of Nearly $1M — Agency Confirms Arrest

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has arrested Mr. Ikoro Mang Ifendu, a resident of Aba, Abia State, for leading a criminal syndicate that posed as NAFDAC officials to defraud foreign businesses of nearly $950,000. The arrest followed a petition from Thani Almaeeni Trading Group in Abu Dhabi, UAE, after Ifendu attempted to register dried seafood products on February 7, 2025.

Investigations uncovered an intricate scam involving fake documents, including forged product registration certificates, falsified revenue receipts, and counterfeit telegraphic transfer papers. The syndicate reportedly used 15 foreign currency accounts and five local bank accounts across seven Nigerian banks, through which over $950,000 was funneled. An additional $450,000 was traced to offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Authorities noted that some victims were still unknowingly sending payments, with a recent $75,000 transfer flagged during the probe.

Victims of the fraud include international firms such as Japan Long Tie (China), Aquaforest SP (Poland), Vincenzo Frecentese (Italy), and Siam Canadian China Limited.

NAFDAC has stated that the case will be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and possible application of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) to recover illicitly acquired assets. The agency also issued a strong warning to companies, urging them to avoid using third-party agents for product registration. Businesses are advised to visit [registration.nafdac.gov.ng](http://registration.nafdac.gov.ng) to verify NAFDAC-regulated products and complete official registrations.

Reaffirming its commitment to public health and regulatory enforcement, NAFDAC emphasized its ongoing efforts to combat fraud and uphold Nigeria’s food and drug laws.