Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced the arrest of 792 suspects in a major raid on December 10, targeting an alleged fraud hub in Lagos. The operation uncovered a network of individuals accused of luring victims with fake romantic connections and fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes.
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The raid took place at the Big Leaf Building, a seven-story luxury complex in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, which was reportedly being used as a call center to target victims primarily in the Americas and Europe. Among those detained were 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, and several Nigerians.
A Web of Deception
According to EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren, the suspects operated through social media platforms and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, using deceptive tactics to seduce victims online or entice them with seemingly lucrative investment opportunities. Once victims were convinced, they were pressured to transfer money for non-existent cryptocurrency projects and other fake ventures.
“Nigerian accomplices were recruited by foreign masterminds to initiate contact with victims through phishing campaigns,” Uwujaren said. “Once trust was established, the foreign operatives would take over, orchestrating the fraudulent schemes and extracting funds from the victims.”
Seized Assets and Ongoing Investigations
During the raid, EFCC agents confiscated computers, phones, and vehicles used in the fraudulent activities. Uwujaren confirmed that the Commission is working closely with international partners to investigate potential links between the operation and larger organized crime syndicates.
Targeting International Victims
The EFCC revealed that the suspects targeted victims from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and several European countries. This highlights the transnational nature of the schemes and the sophisticated methods employed by the perpetrators.
A Growing Concern
This latest crackdown underscores the global reach of cybercrime networks based in Nigeria and the country’s efforts to combat them. The EFCC’s commitment to collaboration with international agencies is a critical step in dismantling such operations and addressing the rising threat of internet fraud.
As investigations continue, the EFCC aims to bring those involved to justice and prevent further exploitation of unsuspecting victims worldwide.
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