Managing
Director of Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, Walter Wagbatsoma, has been extradited
to the United Kingdom where he is facing money laundering charges.
According
to a UK-based newspaper, Lincolnshire
Echo, Wagbatsoma who was extradited from Germany, was accused of
money laundering in a multi-million pound fraud. He appeared before Lincoln
Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The
oil magnate was detained last month in Germany after Lincolnshire Police issued
a European Arrest Warrant.
The
46-year-old was extradited to the UK on Thursday, when he was charged with
conspiracy to money laundering.
Back
home in Nigeria, Wagbatsoma along with others is facing a nine-count charge
bordering on fraud involving N1.9bn oil subsidy scam.
The
Economic Crime Unit of Lincolnshire Police said it had been conducting a major
investigation with the National Health Service involving offences of fraud and
money laundering in excess of £12m.
According
to statement obtained on the official website of the Lincolnshire security
agency, the investigation against Wagbatsoma commenced in September 2011
following a report of fraud involving Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation
Trust.
“Since
such time the investigation has linked 20 other offences where the victims
include other NHS Trusts, the States of Guernsey Government and other public
bodies. In September 2015, as a result of this investigation, 15 suspects were
charged with offences of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and conspiracy
to money launder and all have since been indicted to stand trial.
“On
Monday, June 6, 2016, a further suspect was detained in Germany following the
issue of a European Arrest Warrant by Lincolnshire Police,” the statement said.
Meanwhile,
Wagbatsoma has been remanded in custody and is expected to appear before
Lincoln Crown Court in August.
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