In an intensified push against cybercrime, Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deported over 100 foreign nationals, predominantly from China, as part of a crackdown on an extensive cybercrime syndicate. This operation reflects ongoing issues of internet fraud and highlights the complexities of combating foreign-led cybercrime in Nigeria.
Nigeria's EFCC Targets Major Cybercrime Syndicate, Deporting Foreign Nationals
Nigeria's EFCC Targets Major Cybercrime Syndicate, Deporting Foreign Nationals
A recent sting operation in Nigeria leads to the arrest and deportation of foreign nationals linked to a significant cybercrime network, primarily involving Chinese citizens.
Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has executed a significant operation targeting one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates, leading to the deportation of dozens of foreigners, including 50 Chinese nationals. The crackdown over the past week resulted in a total of 102 convicted foreign nationals being repatriated, an indication of the authorities' intensified efforts to combat cybercrime, particularly internet fraud and cyberterrorism.
The EFCC reported that they arrested 192 foreigners during a sting operation in Lagos last Friday, of which 148 were Chinese nationals. This concerted effort appears motivated by actionable intelligence regarding the involvement of these foreign criminals in various forms of cyber-fraud, which has become increasingly prevalent in Nigeria.
Cybercrime, particularly romance scams and online fraud, is not new to Nigeria, which has gained a notorious reputation for such fraudulent activities. The EFCC has pointed to a range of contributing factors, including high unemployment rates, the allure of quick wealth amongst youths, a vast informal economy, and insufficient regulatory measures, which collectively fuel these fraudulent schemes.
This recent operation, termed "Eagle Flush," marks the second significant crackdown on foreign nationals suspected of involvement in cybercrime within the past year. Previously, around 800 suspects, including individuals from the Philippines, were arrested for collaborating with local scammers in romance-related fraud schemes.
As the EFCC takes decisive action against these cybercriminals, the organization has also raised awareness about ongoing threats posed by scammers. In recent months, social media platforms, including Meta, have removed thousands of malicious accounts linked to sextortion schemes emanating from Nigeria. The rise of such scams underscores the need for increased vigilance among users and a robust response from regulatory bodies to address the underlying challenges of cybercrime.
The EFCC has indicated that further deportations are on the horizon, signaling that the fight against cybercrime will continue as authorities seek to dismantle these foreign-led syndicates and curb the growing prevalence of internet fraud in Nigeria.
