Three Nigerians Jailed for £4M Cryptocurrency Fraud

Anthony Ikenw (29), Kevin Nwamma (25), and Hamza Bashir (23) were sentenced at Southwark Crown Court for their roles in a £4 million cryptocurrency fraud that targeted eight victims. The Metropolitan Police disclosed that the gang impersonated police officers to convince victims to transfer their cryptocurrency assets to fake police accounts.

The investigation, which began in January 2025, revealed a complex financial network that laundered the stolen funds through extravagant purchases, including luxury cars and designer clothing. Ikenw and Nwamma received six years and five years for conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering, respectively, while Bashir was sentenced to three years and nine months.

The police executed coordinated raids in November 2025, recovering £1 million linked directly to the victims, along with 40 mobile phones and luxury goods worth £26,000. The investigation continues as authorities collaborate with international partners to identify further suspects and recover criminal assets.