The Nigerian Police Force has confirmed it’s currently investigating complaints lodged against popular businessman and cryptocurrency billionaire, Linus Williams, also known as Blord, by its cybercrime operatives. Olumoyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Police, announced the arrest in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Adejobi stated that the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) is currently investigating complaints against Blord’s companies, which include Blord Group, Blord Real Estate Ltd, Blord Jetpaye Limited, and Billpoint Technology. The allegations encompass cryptocurrency fraud, aiding internet fraud, computer-related fraud, terrorism funding, and non-compliance with regulatory frameworks.
ALLEGED FRAUD, VIOLATION OF CBN ACT, POLICE INTERROGATES CEO BLORD GROUP OF COMPANIES, LINUS WILLIAMS
AdvertisementThe FCID (NPF-NCCC) is currently investigating complaints lodged against BLORD GROUP, BLORD REAL ESTATE LTD, BLORD JETPAYE LIMITED, and BILLPOINT TECHNOLOGY. These offences… pic.twitter.com/XTQa5SKucT
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) July 16, 2024
The police spokesperson emphasized the importance of securing Nigerian cyberspace and reiterated the force’s commitment to achieving this goal. However, Adejobi did not provide additional details about the nature of the crimes or specify if the police acted on complaints from alleged victims of Blord’s activities.
Blord’s Previous Arrest and Legal Battle
Blord’s recent arrest is not his first encounter with law enforcement. In August 2022, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested him at his home in Awka, Anambra State, over alleged internet fraud. The EFCC also impounded his vehicles.
However, in May 2022, a court absolved Blord of the fraud allegations and ordered the release of his seized properties, including his cars. Blord had expressed surprise at having to fight the Federal Government but celebrated the court’s decision as proof of the Nigerian justice system’s efficacy.
The latest arrest follows allegations from social media activist Verydarkman (VDM), who claimed that Blord refused to address customer complaints and abused him when he tried to bring these complaints to Blord’s attention. The investigation into Blord’s alleged involvement in various financial crimes, including terrorism funding, highlights growing concerns about the regulation and oversight of the cryptocurrency industry in Nigeria. The public will closely watch the outcome of this case and its potential impact on the broader cryptocurrency landscape in the country.
