Nigeria’s anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arrested 792 individuals in connection with a large-scale online fraud operation targeting victims across the Americas and Europe. 

The raid, reported by Reuters, took place on December 10 at the Big Leaf Building, a seven-storey luxury facility in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital.

International Network of Fraudsters

According to EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren, the suspects included 148 Chinese nationals and 40 Filipino nationals, alongside other accomplices. The building allegedly operated as a call center where fraudsters lured victims into romance scams and fake cryptocurrency investment schemes.

Uwujaren explained that the operation involved a well-organized system. Nigerian accomplices were recruited to initiate contact with victims through social media and messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. Once trust was established, foreign operatives would step in to finalize the fraud, pressuring victims to transfer funds for non-existent crypto investments and other fictitious projects.

“Nigerian accomplices were recruited by the foreign kingpins to prospect for victims online through phishing, targeting mostly Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, and several others from European countries,” Uwujaren said. “Once the Nigerians are able to win the confidence of would-be victims, the foreigners would take over the actual task of defrauding the victims.”

During the raid, EFCC agents seized a range of items, including computers, mobile phones, and vehicles, which are believed to have been used in the fraudulent operations. Uwujaren stated that the agency is collaborating with international partners to trace potential links to organized crime networks.

Global Targeting of Victims

The scale and sophistication of the operation highlight the growing issue of international cyber fraud, where victims are enticed through emotional manipulation and promises of high financial returns. Authorities believe the majority of victims were from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and various European countries.

The EFCC’s crackdown underscores its commitment to combating financial crime, which has tarnished Nigeria’s reputation as a global center for internet fraud. This operation marks one of the largest raids conducted by the agency in recent years and is expected to result in further investigations and legal proceedings.

The EFCC emphasized its intent to work closely with international law enforcement agencies to ensure those involved are brought to justice and to prevent similar scams in the future.

Uwujaren reiterated the Commission’s dedication to dismantling fraud networks and encouraged victims of such schemes to report cases to authorities. “We are working diligently to unravel all aspects of this operation and its connections to other fraudulent activities globally,” he said.