ISTANBUL, Turkey — Turkish police have arrested a 43-year-old Nigerian man identified as Kingsley O. alongside five alleged accomplices over claims that they defrauded a Hong Kong dentist of approximately $2.5 million in a cross-border romance scam, according to Turkish media reports and court-related information released on June 11–12, 2026.
Authorities said the arrests were carried out in the Esenyurt district of Istanbul following an investigation into financial transactions linked to multiple Turkish bank accounts allegedly used to receive funds from the victim between 2020 and 2022.
Investigators allege that Kingsley O. created an online persona posing as a wealthy American businessman using the name “Richard,” and began communicating with the victim, identified as Siu P.Y.F., a dentist based in Hong Kong. The relationship reportedly developed over several years through online communication and phone conversations, during which the suspect allegedly convinced the victim of intentions to marry her.
According to details from the investigation, the suspect later claimed to be in Istanbul pursuing an investment opportunity and requested financial assistance. Believing she was supporting her future spouse, the victim reportedly transferred funds in several installments over a two-year period to multiple bank accounts in Turkey.
Turkish police said the case was uncovered after the victim, unable to reach the suspect, reported the matter to authorities, prompting a cross-jurisdiction investigation involving both Hong Kong and Turkish law enforcement agencies. Initial inquiries in Hong Kong reportedly did not produce results, after which the complainant engaged legal representation in Turkey to pursue the case further.
The breakthrough reportedly came when investigators traced the flow of funds through Turkish bank accounts. Several account holders were detained, with at least one suspect reportedly stating during questioning that he had passed the money on to an individual known as “Richard,” which helped authorities identify the alleged mastermind.
Kingsley O. and the five other suspects were subsequently detained and referred to court in Istanbul. Turkish authorities say the suspects are facing charges related to organized fraud and financial crime. The accused have reportedly denied the allegations during police questioning, and legal proceedings are ongoing.
The victim, Siu P.Y.F., is reported in court documents and media accounts as having lost a total of $2,527,268 over the course of the alleged scheme, which investigators say unfolded between 2020 and 2022 through gradual transfers linked to personal and investment-related claims.
Officials involved in the case noted that the investigation highlighted the increasingly transnational nature of online fraud schemes, particularly those involving long-term relationship manipulation commonly referred to as romance scams. The case required coordination between cybersecurity units, financial crime investigators, and international law enforcement channels.
As of the latest updates from Turkish authorities, the suspects remain subject to judicial proceedings in Istanbul, and no final verdict has been issued by the court. Investigations into additional possible financial networks connected to the case are still ongoing.
Authorities in Turkey have not confirmed whether further arrests are expected, but investigators indicated that the financial trail and digital communications are still under review as part of the continuing case file.
The development adds to a growing number of international fraud cases linked to online impersonation schemes, where victims are deceived over extended periods through fabricated identities and emotional manipulation tactics before financial exploitation occurs.
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