They are accused of falsifying Automatic Teller Machine, ATM, bank cards and withdrawing huge sums of money from victims’ accounts.

They reportedly used special electronic pens containing mini-cameras, which they placed on ATM machines to record sensitive information from unsuspecting customers’ cards. They then used the information in producing fake ATM cards to withdraw money from victims’ accounts. The suspects, all Nigerians, are in custody at the Judicial Police Headquarters in Yaounde.

They were arrested on December 2, 2015, in Douala in the Littoral Region following investigations by the Littoral Regional Judicial Police Unit after a series of complaints from banks. Senior Superintendent of Police, Justin Kouidja Semen, said the suspected fraudsters were probably working in tandem with some security workers in the banks. He explained that bank accounts with huge amounts of money were often targeted.

The five men laundered the stolen money in buying and selling vehicles, vehicle parts and clothes, among others. Justin Kouidja called on all ATM bank card holders to be vigilant while carrying out transactions. In case of any suspicion, they should call 1500 or 117 and the police will take care of the rest.