Indian police have arrested two Nigerian nationals in connection with an international cybercrime syndicate accused of targeting cooperative banks.
The suspects, identified as Modebe Joseph, 42, and Sunday Okonkwo, 35, were apprehended in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, during a coordinated operation by the cybercrime unit of the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate.
Reports indicate that the duo allegedly worked with a cybercriminal group known as Solar Spider, which has been linked to attacks on financial institutions with weak cybersecurity systems.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shavya Goyal said the suspects are believed to be part of a larger international network with connections to criminal gangs operating in Nigeria and South Africa. She added that during the weekend of March 7–8, the group reportedly transferred around ₹7 crore (approximately ₦1 billion) from a targeted bank account.
“The operation was carried out over the weekend when the bank was closed, a tactic likely intended to delay detection and allow the suspects to move the stolen funds,” Goyal explained.
The arrests were part of a joint effort involving officers from the Cyber Crime Police Station and other security agencies. Investigations are ongoing.