The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended four Chinese nationals alongside 101 Nigerians for their alleged involvement in internet fraud. This operation marks a significant development in Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on cybercrime syndicates.
Details of the Arrest
The arrests, conducted on Thursday at a business apartment in the Gudu area of Abuja, were disclosed via a statement on the EFCC’s X (formerly Twitter) account. The suspects include 67 men, four of whom are Chinese nationals, and 38 women.
The EFCC revealed that the suspects were allegedly engaged in a “hotel review job” scam targeting victims and hotels in Europe and other parts of the world. The anti-graft agency emphasized its commitment to eradicating internet fraud and corruption in Nigeria. It also stated that the suspects will be charged in court once investigations are concluded.
A String of Cybercrime Crackdowns
This latest operation follows a series of high-profile arrests targeting cybercrime in Nigeria:
In December 2024, the EFCC arrested 792 suspects in Lagos for alleged cryptocurrency fraud and romance scams. The suspects, comprising Nigerians, Chinese, Arabs, and Filipinos, reportedly operated from a facility resembling a corporate headquarters.
In November 2024, the Nigerian police detained 130 individuals, including 113 foreigners from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, over cybercrime allegations. The suspects were arrested in the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, and arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nigeria’s Growing Cybercrime Challenge
The rising frequency of cybercrime-related arrests underscores Nigeria’s appeal as a hub for both local and foreign perpetrators. Common cybercrimes in the country include phishing, identity theft, social media fraud, business email compromise, and banking fraud.
Despite consistent efforts by the EFCC to combat these crimes, critics argue that the agency’s focus on cybercrime comes at the expense of addressing other critical issues such as money laundering. This imbalance is evident in the EFCC’s conviction records, where cybercrime prosecutions significantly outnumber those for money laundering.
The persistent threat of cybercrime poses significant risks to individuals, businesses, and Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage. The EFCC, however, maintains its resolve to restore integrity by intensifying its efforts to dismantle cybercrime networks across the country.
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