Guinness World Records has awarded an award to a boy who is now recognized as the youngest fraudster in the world.
This disturbing admission follows his recent conviction by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 26.
Victor, along with four university students other students, Chidebere Stanley Opara, Manasseh Sefa Ephraim, Chukwukere Obinna Paul and Enyogu Etim Ekpo were found guilty of separate charges related to internet fraud.
The sentences were secured by the Kaduna Area Command of the EFCC and Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court presided over the sentencing hearing.
The charges stem from a sting operation carried out in Kaduna, revealing the group’s elaborate scheme to create fake identities on different social media sites to defraud unsuspecting victims, especially foreigners.
Specifically, the 7-year-old boy was charged with fraud by identity theft, introducing himself as Christopher Anderson, a white man from Denver, Colorado, United States, on Facebook.
The fraudulent activities took place between January and July 2023
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His sentence, under Section 57 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Act of 2017, is punishable according to article of article 309 of the same law.
The arrest and subsequent conviction of the 7 year old fraudster has sparked a wave of controversy and discussion surrounding the involvement of young individuals in cybercrime.
However, one can hardly compare Victor’s age with his involvement in such criminal activities.
While some expressed concern over the system’s inability to guide and mentor young minds like Victor, others praised the EFCC for its proactive efforts in arrested and brought to justice individuals guilty of fraudulent activities, regardless of their age.
