A Nigerian man in the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre is accused of running a $3-million fraud syndicate.

It’s alleged the man who orchestrated the scam used 16 different mobile phones.

The 43-year-old is also allegedly the ring leader of a seven-person syndicate.

Police say the money has been tracked offshore to Nigeria but they don’t know who it has gone to, or what it’s being used for.

Detective Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis says the scam involves fake business emails requesting money.

Speaking with Ray Hadley, he says, “after 29 years in a job, nothing shocks me”.

“The fact that 16 mobile phones were shared amongst three individuals that we will be alleging within that detention centre… should ring alarm bells.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview