By Parrot Newspaper 
NAFDAC Uncovers Syndicate Scamming Foreign Firms with Fake Documents
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has dismantled a fraudulent syndicate that has been swindling foreign companies using counterfeit NAFDAC documents.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made the revelation during a press conference on Friday, detailing how the criminals had been impersonating the agency to deceive businesses seeking to import goods into Nigeria.
How the Fraud Operated
The syndicate, led by Mr. Ikoro Ifendu from Abia State, executed a complex three-step scam involving a fake buyer, a fraudulent bank, and a deceptive lawyer. They lured foreign firms into believing their imports required NAFDAC approval, then extorted money through forged certificates and receipts.
Prof. Adeyeye disclosed that the criminals maintained 15 domiciliary and five local accounts in seven Nigerian banks, with transactions exceeding $950,000 locally and $450,000 traced to offshore accounts in Cotonou, Benin Republic. Despite the ongoing investigation, unsuspecting victims are still transferring funds to the fraudulent accounts.
The Extent of the Fraud
Among the fake documents issued were:
A counterfeit NAFDAC registration certificate for dried fish (Seafood) with a fraudulent registration number.
Fake revenue receipts amounting to millions of naira.
Fraudulent processing requirement documents using the name of a retired NAFDAC official.
Crackdown and Warnings
The agency is working with law enforcement to ensure all members of the syndicate are apprehended. NAFDAC has also urged foreign businesses to verify all approvals and payments directly with its official channels to avoid falling prey to fraudsters.
As investigations continue, the agency reassures both local and international stakeholders that it remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory system.