EFCC arrests four Chinese, 101 Nigerians for suspected internet fraud

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians in a business apartment in the Gudu area of Abuja over suspected internet fraud.

The commission announced the arrests on Thursday, 9 January 2025, via a tweet on its X handle on Friday.

“The suspects, comprising 67 males (including four Chinese nationals) and 38 females, were allegedly involved in a hotel review job scam targeting victims and hotels in Europe and other parts of the world.

“The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations,” the tweet partly read.

In its ongoing efforts to rid the nation of internet fraud and other corrupt practices, the EFCC has been making significant strides in recent months.

In October 2024, 10 individuals were convicted and sentenced to various jail terms and fines for internet-related offences, following a crackdown by EFCC operatives.

The suspects had pleaded guilty to charges involving internet fraud, impersonation, and employment fraud.

In December 2024, the EFCC executed its largest single-day crackdown on cryptocurrency and romance scam syndicates, apprehending 792 suspects in Lagos State. According to a report by The Cable, the operation resulted in the arrest of 158 foreigners and 634 others in a single raid on a Lagos property.

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Recently, the commission disclosed that 27 of its officers were dismissed in 2024 for misconduct and fraudulent activities.

The EFCC also announced that it is investigating “a trending $400,000 claim made by a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff member of the EFCC against a Sectional Head.”

EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, in a statement issued on Monday, 6 January 2024, said the dismissals followed recommendations by the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were subsequently ratified by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.

“In its quest to enforce integrity and rid its workforce of fraudulent elements, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dismissed 27 officers in 2024.

“Their dismissal, following recommendations by the Staff Disciplinary Committee, was ratified by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede,” Oyewale stated.