From Cork to Nigeria: Gang of cybercriminals caught out by their own technology 

A routine traffic stop in Midleton turned into a fast-moving garda investigation — and it has uncovered an international crime gang preying on health workers and defrauding the State

Oluwagbewikeke Lewis, 36, of Brookdale, Midleton, Co Cork, was sentenced to four years in prison with the last year suspended. File picture: Cork Courts Limited

Two ‘low-level’ Cork-based operatives have been jailed for their part in a pandemic unemployment payment (PUP) fraud masterminded by the head of the Nigerian crime gang, known as Black Axe.

The gang had planned to secure up to €1m from their elaborate fraud, but in the end, only managed to get €183,000.