Police make arrest in international scheme

DULUTH, Ga. — Duluth police tell Channel 2 Action News they have made an arrest in an international scheme that target man metro Atlantans.

Officers told Channel 2's Kerry Kavanaugh the investigation began with a tip from a bank.

Police said a phony sweepstakes letter and a phony business name helped the schemer cash in other people's hard earned money.

Duluth investigators say their case began on Monday after they got a tip from an investigator from 5th/3rd Bank.

"As they started investigating the account, they started receiving calls from other banks where wires had originated from saying their customers had been defrauded out of the money," Detective Fran Foster with the Duluth Police Department said.

Police said Henry Nwaiwu, a Nigerian immigrant, was running several scams that law enforcement have long associated with his homeland.

Police said the schemes ranged from Reader's Digest lottery letters, to fraudulent business investments, and fraudulent offers to help someone in need.

"So they take a chance and send $5,000 or whatever the asking price, to cover the fees, taxes on the winnings," Foster said.

But investigators said there was never a prize.

Foster said police are tracking down victims across the United States and Canada, but they believe Nwaiwu was operating locally along with another man.

Police are looking for tips to help identify him and track him down.

"If they're not sure about it, call their local law enforcement agency. Ask them about it before they send some money or communicate with these people at all," Foster said.

WSBTV