The EFCC's largest single-day operation led to the arrest of 792 suspected fraudsters involved in cryptocurrency and romance scams in Lagos. Foreign nationals, including Chinese, Filipino, and others, were training Nigerians to execute online fraud. Over 500 Nigerian SIM cards were recovered, with suspects set for arraignment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has carried out its largest single-day operation, arresting 792 suspects involved in cryptocurrency and romance scams in Lagos. The crackdown, which took place on December 16, 2024, targeted a seven-story building in Victoria Island, where 114 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, and other foreign nationals were allegedly training Nigerians to engage in online fraud.
EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren explained that the foreigners had set up the building with high-end desktop computers and mobile devices. They created fake online profiles for Nigerian accomplices to trick victims, primarily from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, into parting with money through fake investment platforms and romantic scams. Over 500 Nigerian SIM cards were recovered during the operation.
The suspects are currently in custody, facing arraignment soon. Uwujaren revealed that the fraudsters used advanced communication tools, including foreign telephone numbers, to engage victims via WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram, luring them into sending activation fees for bogus online platforms.
