Nigeria Cracks Down on Cybercrime as Nearly 800 Suspects are Under Investigation

On December 10, 2024, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) conducted a significant operation in Lagos, arresting 792 individuals suspected of involvement in extensive cybercrime activities. The raid targeted the Big Leaf Building, a seven-story complex on Victoria Island, believed to function as a hub for sophisticated online fraud schemes, including romance and cryptocurrency scams.

Among those apprehended were 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, alongside numerous Nigerian suspects. The EFCC reported that Nigerian accomplices were responsible for initiating contact with potential victims, primarily from the Americas and Europe, through social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Instagram. Once initial trust was established, foreign nationals allegedly took over, persuading victims to invest in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes or engaging in deceptive romantic relationships to extract funds.

The operation followed months of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the EFCC. During the raid, authorities seized numerous items, including computers, mobile phones, and vehicles, all purportedly used in the execution of these cybercrimes. The EFCC is collaborating with international partners to investigate potential links to organized crime networks and to trace the flow of illicit funds.

This crackdown underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, which has tarnished the nation’s reputation and led to significant financial losses globally. The EFCC emphasized that such operations are part of a broader strategy to dismantle cybercrime syndicates and deter future fraudulent activities. The arrested individuals are currently under investigation and are expected to face charges in accordance with Nigerian law.

The EFCC has urged the public to remain vigilant against online scams, advising individuals to be cautious when engaging with unknown parties on the internet and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities. This operation represents one of the largest cybercrime crackdowns in Nigeria’s history, reflecting the country’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by digital fraud and protecting potential victims worldwide.