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Nigerian billionaire arrested in Switzerland drug raid as international operation takes down a massive money laundering cartel
Amadi Simon lived large. Hotels, apartments, bank accounts spread across countries. But his empire was built on drug money. On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, it all came crashing down. A coordinated strike across multiple nations put him in handcuffs in Switzerland.
The operation was a joint effort. Nigeria’s NDLEA worked closely with the United States DEA office in Lagos. Law enforcement partners from Switzerland, France, and Greece joined the push. Months of intelligence gathering led to simultaneous arrests. Simon was picked up in Switzerland. His co-conspirators, Jecinta Amara Ikechi and Blessing Ngozi Amadi, were arrested in Anambra and Delta states.
The agency made it clear this was no small bust. Simon’s network had been laundering hundreds of billions of Naira across Europe and Nigeria. The operation took years to build and moments to execute.
Nigerian billionaire arrested in Switzerland drug raid as authorities trace and block assets tied to the cartel
Simon did not operate in the open. His scheme used front companies, shell entities, pass-through accounts, and delegates. Traditional bank accounts mixed with cryptocurrency wallets to hide the money trail. Investigators peeled back every layer.
Properties already linked to him as proceeds of crime include Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, and Jovi Apartment in Mabushi, Abuja. Several bank accounts and crypto addresses used by the cartel have been identified and blocked. The net is still tightening.
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa did not mince words. He said the success of this multi-country operation sends a clear message. The agency maintains zero tolerance for crimes that threaten the safety of Nigerians, the integrity of the nation’s reputation, and the stability of the economy.
Marwa expressed gratitude for the support from the US-DEA. He noted the American mission in Nigeria has consistently partnered with the agency through training in intelligence, evidence collection, case management, and tactical operations. Critical equipment has also been provided.
He assured that the NDLEA will continue expanding cooperation with the United States and other international partners. The pursuit of drug traffickers and those who handle their dirty money will not slow down. Marwa stressed that Nigeria will not be a haven for drug barons or a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds.
The arrests mark a major victory. But the investigation is far from over. More assets may be uncovered. More conspirators could fall. For now, one of the most sophisticated drug money laundering networks in the region has been broken.
