Authorities in India have arrested two Nigerian nationals over their alleged involvement in a cybercrime syndicate accused of targeting cooperative banks through sophisticated hacking operations.
The suspects, identified as Modebe Joseph, 42, and Sunday Okonkwo, 35, were apprehended in Noida, a city in Uttar Pradesh. Their arrest was carried out by the cybercrime unit of the Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate during a coordinated security operation.
According to a report by The Times of India, investigators believe the pair were working with a cyber threat group known as Solar Spider, which is suspected of focusing on financial institutions with relatively weak cybersecurity systems.
The arrests followed a joint operation involving officers from the Cyber Crime Police Station and other security agencies. Authorities said the operation was part of a broader effort to dismantle international cybercrime networks targeting banks.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Shavya Goyal stated that preliminary investigations indicate the suspects may be linked to a wider transnational criminal network. The network is believed to have connections with groups operating in Nigeria and South Africa.
Goyal said the group allegedly transferred approximately ₹7 crore, nearly ₦1 billion, from a bank account during the weekend of March 7–8. Investigators believe the timing was intentional, as the bank was closed during the period, allowing the suspects to delay detection and move the funds before authorities could respond.
Police say further investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and track the movement of the stolen funds.
