Internet fraud: Nigeria deports convicted 51 foreign nationals

Internet fraud: Nigeria deports convicted 51 foreign nationals

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Nigerian Correctional Service, has completed the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime and internet fraud in Lagos.

The final batch of 51 convicts — comprising 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian — was deported on October 16, according to a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Sunday in Abuja.

The mass deportation followed the arrest and prosecution of 759 suspects during a major sting operation conducted by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The suspects were convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences including cyber-terrorism, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.

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Oyewale said the deportation exercise began on August 15 with the removal of 42 convicts, including Chinese and Filipino nationals. Subsequent batches were deported throughout August, September, and mid-October.

The convicted foreigners — from China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste — were found to be part of a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate operating under the name Genting International Co. Limited. Investigations revealed that they managed fraudulent digital platforms, trained recruits, and orchestrated large-scale online scams targeting victims both locally and internationally.

“All the deported convicts were arrested alongside Nigerian accomplices and sentenced in accordance with the law,” Oyewale stated. “The Nigeria Immigration Service carried out the deportations as directed by the court.”

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling transnational cybercrime networks and protecting Nigeria’s digital and financial integrity.

Internet fraud: Nigeria deports convicted 51 foreign nationals