Major Cybercrime Syndicate Broken: Nigeria Deports Over 50 Chinese Nationals

Following a sting operation targeting a large cybercrime syndicate in Lagos, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has deported numerous foreign nationals, predominantly Chinese, involved in internet fraud and cyberterrorism. This crackdown emphasizes the ongoing issue of cybercrime in Nigeria, which has seen a rising trend amid economic challenges.

Nigeria has successfully executed a major crackdown on cybercrime, leading to the deportation of 102 foreign nationals, including 50 Chinese citizens. The operation, known as "Eagle Flush," was orchestrated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and targeted what it identified as one of the largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates operating within its borders.

A total of 192 individuals were arrested in Lagos during the sting operation last week, with the EFCC reporting that a significant portion of the suspects were Chinese nationals, specifically 148. The agency has stated that these individuals were found guilty of serious crimes, including cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

Internet fraud and romance scams have driven Nigeria's notoriety in the global cybercrime arena. The EFCC indicates that such cases constituted some of the most frequent offenses recorded last year. The increasing incidents of cybercrime are correlated with a range of factors including rising unemployment rates, an informal economy, and a societal prioritization of rapid wealth accumulation.

This crackdown marks the second significant operation within a year targeting foreign involvement in cyber scams. A previous raid in December led to the arrest of nearly 800 suspects, revealing a coordinated effort between foreign criminals and Nigerian accomplices in perpetrating scams that exploit unsuspecting victims through online platforms.

The EFCC continues its efforts to combat the rising wave of internet fraud, including various forms of sextortion scams that have gained attention due to their prevalence made apparent by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s, which has also spotlighted numerous high-profile cases involving Nigerian nationals abroad.

Photos released by the EFCC captured the moment of deportation, showcasing the individuals lined up at the airport with their luggage. The agency has confirmed that additional deportations are anticipated in the coming days as part of its ongoing operation to dismantle these criminal networks.

The authorities’ commitment to this fight reflects broader societal concerns surrounding the dangers of cybercrime, particularly on social media platforms, leading organizations like Meta to take action by shutting down thousands of accounts associated with scams and fraud.