Nigeria Cracks Down on Cybercrime, Deporting Chinese Nationals
Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has taken decisive action against cybercrime, deporting dozens of foreign nationals, including 50 Chinese citizens, in a recent crackdown. This significant move, undertaken over the last week, targeted what authorities described as one of the country’s largest foreign-led cybercrime syndicates, highlighting the persistent challenge of internet fraud in Nigeria.
Cybercrime and Foreign Nationals
According to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the deported individuals were found guilty of cyberterrorism and internet fraud. The EFCC confirmed that the repatriation brings the total number of convicted foreign nationals deported in the ongoing exercise to 102. The arrests stemmed from a sting operation conducted in Lagos last Friday, resulting in the apprehension of 192 foreign nationals. The EFCC’s efforts come as cybercrime remains a significant issue in Nigeria, with cases of internet fraud and romance scamming being particularly prevalent. The EFCC has previously targeted hideouts where young cybercriminals, often referred to as “Yahoo Boys”, learn their scamming techniques. This crackdown underscores Nigeria’s commitment to combating cybercrime and maintaining its presence on the global tech and financial stage.
Keywords
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