In a stunning multinational crackdown, a special NDLEA operations unit teamed up with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Lagos office and partners from Switzerland, France, and Greece to dismantle a massive transnational crime syndicate laundering hundreds of billions of Naira from drugs and financial scams across Europe and Nigeria.
The operation peaked on April 28, 2026, with perfectly timed arrests: billionaire drug baron Amadi Simon nabbed in Switzerland, alongside his key accomplices - 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed in a statement that months of cross-border intelligence linked Amadi’s network to the massive laundering scheme.
Beyond the arrests, authorities seized multi-billion-naira assets tied to the group, including three hotels in Delta and Abuja, both in Nigeria and overseas.
His operations in Nigeria included a complex scheme of front and shell companies; pass-throughs and delegates; and the use of numerous traditional and cryptocurrency accounts to conceal and launder illicit funds, the statement explains.
Properties already identified and linked to Amadi Simon as proceeds of illicit drug funds include: Jovi Hotel at 1 Isiayei Street GRA Phase1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; as well as Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court Mabushi, Abuja; while several bank accounts and crypto currency addresses used by the cartel to conceal hundreds of billions of illicit funds have also been identified and blocked.
Speaking on the coordinated efforts of the NDLEA, the United States DEA, and other international partners, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the success of the multi-country and multi-year operations has sent a clear message that the NDLEA maintains “a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that jeopardize the safety of the Nigerian people, the integrity of our national reputation, and the stability of our economy.”
He expressed gratitude for the support received from the US-DEA to crack and dismantle Amadi’s transnational criminal network, adding that the U.S. Mission to Nigeria has continued to partner with the agency to combat narcotics trafficking through training in intelligence, evidence collection, case management, and tactical operations as well as the provision of critical equipment.
He assured that NDLEA will continue to expand its cooperation with the United States and other international partners.
“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide. Built upon a foundation of strategic partnership, unwavering integrity, and dedicated professionalism, the NDLEA is committed to ensuring that Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers who profit from illicit substances nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds”, Marwa stated.
0 comments:
Post a Comment