Linus Williams (Blord) is a Nigerian cryptocurrency entrepreneur,[1] digital businessman, and the founder of Blord Group.[2] He gained prominence for his rapid rise in the world of cryptocurrency and financial technology. Blord's companies, including Blord Real Estate Ltd., Blord Jetpaye Ltd., and Billpoint Technology, operate in diverse sectors such as real estate and fintech, with a significant focus on cryptocurrency trading.[3]
Blord | |
|---|---|
| Born | Linus williams March 14, 1998 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | entrepreneurship |
| Years active | 2020–present |
Controversies
editAllegations of fraud and money laundering
editBlord has faced multiple legal challenges.[4] In July 2024, Linus Williams was arrested by the Nigerian Police[5] following allegations of cryptocurrency fraud, internet-related crimes, and terrorism funding.[6] The charges also include aiding internet fraud and money laundering through his cryptocurrency ventures.[7] His arrest came after complaints were lodged against his companies, leading to an investigation by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID).[8] The charges involved alleged non-compliance with financial regulations, particularly in relation to his cryptocurrency trading platforms.[9] Although the police have yet to complete their investigation, Blord has maintained his innocence, claiming that his businesses operate within the bounds of the law.
Previous legal issues
editIn 2022, he was arrested by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over accusations of internet fraud.[10] Following a court case, Blord was acquitted, and the EFCC was ordered to return his seized assets, including luxury vehicles that had been impounded during the investigation. Blord celebrated this victory on social media, emphasizing that the legal ruling exonerated him from any wrongdoing.[11]
Ongoing investigations
editAs of mid-2024, the investigations into Blord's businesses[12] are still ongoing, with the police and regulatory authorities looking into the complaints against him.[13][14]
References
edit- ^ "BLord arrested by EFCC: Police accuse 'crypto king' Linus Williams of alleged fraud and terrorism links". BBC News Pidgin. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Popular Bitcoin Trader "BLORD" Honors Police Invitation Over Alleged Economic, Security Crimes | AIT LIVE". ait.live. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Police Interrogate Blord Group CEO over Alleged Terrorism Funding, Fraud, Others – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ Odeniyi, Solomon (16 July 2024). "Police arrest crypto billionaire Blord over fraud, terrorism links". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Police arrest crypto billionaire, Blord, over fraud". The Sun Nigeria. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Reactions as Police arrest crypto trader Blord for 'fraud, terrorism funding' - Daily Trust". dailytrust. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Police Interrogate CEO Blord Group of Companies for Terrorism Funding, Cryptocurrency Fraud". Arise News. 17 July 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ Week, Comms (17 July 2024). "Blord, Crypto Billionaire in Police Net over Alleged Fraud, Terrorism Funding". Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "Entrepreneur drags EFCC to court for violating his rights". The Sun Nigeria. 20 December 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "PHOTOS: Popular Bitcoin Lord & Instagram Big Boy, Linus Williams Lands in EFCC Net For Fraud". Gistmania. 1 September 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ "I Finally Defeated And Deflated EFCC - Bitcoin Vendor, Blord Boasts After Defeating EFCC". Gistmania. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
- ^ Odili, Esther (16 July 2024). "Police arrest crypto billionaire, Blord, over fraud, terrorism links". Legit. ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ "JUST IN: Police Reportedly Free BLord After Spending Days in Custody". 247 Ureports. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
- ^ Oluwafemi, Ayodele (17 July 2024). "ICYMI: Police arrest crypto trader Blord for 'fraud, terrorism'". TheCable. Retrieved 27 October 2024.