EFCC Cracks Down on Foreign Syndicates
Nigeria’s EFCC deported 102 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese, 39 Filipinos, two Kazakhs, and one Tunisian, convicted of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, as announced on August 21, 2025. The deportees, part of 192 foreign nationals arrested in a December 2024 Lagos operation, were linked to phishing and fake cryptocurrency scams.
The Victoria Island raid targeted a major syndicate exploiting Nigeria’s weak cybersecurity, recruiting local “Yahoo Boys” to scam Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, and Europeans. EFCC’s Dele Oyewale confirmed further deportations are planned, following the initial 42 Chinese and Filipino deportees on August 15.
The scams, leveraging advanced digital tools, defrauded victims of savings and business capital. The operation, supported by international intelligence, seized 792 suspects, with 148 Chinese among them. EFCC also secured $222,729 in digital assets linked to the syndicate in July 2025.
Nigeria’s crackdown, intensified since a 2024 raid netting 800 suspects, aims to curb foreign-led cybercrime syndicates. The deportations signal Nigeria’s commitment to restoring trust in its digital economy, amid a 2024 report ranking it fifth globally for cybercrime.
The EFCC’s actions, backed by the Nigerian Immigration Service, align with national efforts to combat fraud, with ongoing investigations targeting remaining syndicate members. The case highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect Nigeria’s 220 million citizens.