The Guinness World Record has awarded a distinction
to Victor Oche Odeh, a 7-year-old boy who has now
been recognized as the youngest fraudster in the
world.
This disconcerting acknowledgment follows his
recent conviction by the Economic and Financial
Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 26.
Victor, alongside four other undergraduates, Chidebere
Stanley Opara, Manasseh Sefa Ephraim, Chukwukere
Obinna Paul, and Enyogu Etim Ekpo has been found
guilty on separate one-count charges related to
internet fraud.
The convictions were secured by the Kaduna Zonal
Command of the EFCC, and Justice Darius Khobo of
the Kaduna State High Court presided over the
sentencing.
The charges stemmed from a sting operation
conducted in Kaduna, revealing the group’s elaborate Specifically, the 7-year-old stands accused of cheating
by impersonation, presenting himself as Christopher
Anderson, a white man from Denver, Colorado, USA, on
Facebook.
The fraudulent activities occurred between January
and July 2023.
His conviction, under Section 57 of the Kaduna State
Penal Code Law 2017, is punishable under Section 309 of the same Law
The arrest and subsequent conviction of the 7-year-old
fraudster have ignited a wave of controversy and
discussions surrounding the involvement of young
individuals in cybercrimes.
However, people are grappling with the comparison of
Victor’s age and his participation in such criminal
activities.
While some express concern over the system’s failure
to guide and mentor young minds like Victor, others
commend the EFCC for its proactive efforts in
apprehending and bringing to justice individuals
engaged in fraudulent activities, regardless of age.