By Huldah Shado
The Federal Government has deported 99 foreign nationals convicted of cybercrime-related offences, including romance and cryptocurrency scams.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the deportees comprised 60 Chinese, 39 Filipinos, and others convicted of “cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.” EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, said the move was part of intensified efforts to curb online fraud in Nigeria.
Since August 15, a total of 141 foreigners; 70 Chinese, 49 Filipinos, and two Kazakhs have been deported, with more expulsions expected in the coming days.
The latest deportees were among 792 suspected cybercriminals arrested in December during a large-scale operation on Victoria Island, Lagos.
Investigators said the suspects ran fraudulent investment schemes disguised as online romances, tricking victims into channeling money into fake cryptocurrency platforms.
Many victims reportedly lost life savings, business capital, and borrowed funds to the schemes.
Experts have warned that foreign cyber syndicates exploit Nigeria’s weak cybersecurity systems to operate unhindered.
Photographs released by the EFCC showed some of the deportees, mostly Asian men, wearing face masks as they queued at airport counters.
The agency said its crackdown on cybercrime would continue to safeguard citizens and reduce financial losses.