A Nigerian national has been arrested in Istanbul, Turkey, over allegations that he posed as a wealthy American businessman and defrauded a Hong Kong dentist of about $2.5 million in a long-running romance scam.
The suspect, identified as Kingsley O., was arrested in the Esenyurt area of Istanbul alongside five alleged accomplices. He was later arraigned in court on Thursday, June 11, 2026, following an investigation by Turkish authorities.
According to investigators, the case began in 2020 when a Hong Kong-based dentist, Siu P.Y.F., met an individual on a dating platform who introduced himself as “Richard,” a wealthy American businessman. The relationship continued online for years, mainly through phone communication, without any physical meeting.
Over time, the suspect allegedly built trust with the victim while maintaining the false identity. He later claimed to be in Istanbul for major investment activities and requested financial assistance, saying he needed funds to support his business operations.
Believing she was engaged in a genuine relationship and expecting marriage, the dentist reportedly transferred money in several instalments between 2020 and 2022. The funds, totaling about $2.5 million, were sent to multiple bank accounts in Turkey.
The situation collapsed after the suspect suddenly cut off contact and became unreachable after receiving the money. The victim later reported the matter to law enforcement in Hong Kong, but the investigation did not initially produce results.
The case was later pursued in Turkey, where the victim engaged legal representation and filed a complaint with the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office. Detectives from the Istanbul Police Department Fraud Bureau tracked the financial transactions linked to the case.
Their initial operation led to the arrest of five individuals connected to bank accounts used in receiving the funds. One of the suspects reportedly told investigators that the money was handed over to a Nigerian man known as “Richard.”
Further surveillance and technical tracking eventually led Turkish police to Kingsley O., who was identified as the person allegedly behind the fake identity. He was later arrested during a coordinated operation.
Kingsley O. is currently in custody and has denied the allegations during questioning at the police headquarters in Gayrettepe. Authorities say investigations are ongoing as prosecutors continue to examine the financial trail and the roles of the arrested accomplices.
