A 40-year-old Nigerian behind thousands of online scams around the world has been detained in Port Harcourt, Interpol announces.

The man, known as “Mike”, is alleged to head a network of 40 individuals behind global scams worth more than $60 million.

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Mike’s operations involve using targeted malware to take over systems, use compromised emails and romance scams.

Nigeria’s anti-fraud agency was also involved in the arrest.

Interpol said in a statement: “In one case, a target was conned into paying out $15.4 million.”

The suspect also allegedly ran a money laundering network in China, Europe and the US.

“The network compromised email accounts of small to medium businesses around the world including in Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Romania, South Africa, Thailand and the United States,” Interpol statement added.

“Mike” and an accomplice, who was also arrested in Port Harcourt, face charges including hacking, conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences.

According to Interpol statement, they are currently out on bail as investigations continue.