Tuesday, Dutch authorities took 12 into custody in Amsterdam and neighbouring Zaandam, a suburb northwest of the city. According to police, the Nigerians had been running a so-called "419" scam that had netted more than US$2 million from nave Americans. Several investigators from the US Postal Inspection Service also took part in the arrests.
The 419 con, named after the relevant section of the Nigerian penal code because many of the scams originate in that west African country, starts with an email claiming that the sender has come into a large sum of money. The fraudster needs help in laundering or obtaining the funds, however, and promises the recipient a piece of the action for his or her help. Victims are bilked of everything from money  "down payments" to speed the process  to identities.
Dutch police said that the gang had sent out more than 100,000 emails to launch its schemes.
"Many users will be used to receiving dodgy sounding business propositions in their inbox, promising them a fortune. These schemes, however, only make money for the criminals behind them," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos, in a statement.
The US has begun extradition procedures for the four principals. The remaining eight will face charges in the Netherlands.
According to the 419 Coalition website, the Netherlands has been a hotbed for 419 fraudsters for several years.
"Over the last couple of years, we have seen more 419 solicitations with Dutch phone numbers than those of any other nation, including Nigeria, though the Dutch-based 419ers are of course Nigerians operating primarily from Amsterdam," the non-profit said in commentary posted on its site.
The 419 con, named after the relevant section of the Nigerian penal code because many of the scams originate in that west African country, starts with an email claiming that the sender has come into a large sum of money. The fraudster needs help in laundering or obtaining the funds, however, and promises the recipient a piece of the action for his or her help. Victims are bilked of everything from money  "down payments" to speed the process  to identities.
Dutch police said that the gang had sent out more than 100,000 emails to launch its schemes.
"Many users will be used to receiving dodgy sounding business propositions in their inbox, promising them a fortune. These schemes, however, only make money for the criminals behind them," said Graham Cluley, senior technology consultant for Sophos, in a statement.
The US has begun extradition procedures for the four principals. The remaining eight will face charges in the Netherlands.
According to the 419 Coalition website, the Netherlands has been a hotbed for 419 fraudsters for several years.
"Over the last couple of years, we have seen more 419 solicitations with Dutch phone numbers than those of any other nation, including Nigeria, though the Dutch-based 419ers are of course Nigerians operating primarily from Amsterdam," the non-profit said in commentary posted on its site.