Rita Odafe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended four Chinese individuals along with 101 Nigerians suspected of engaging in internet fraud. The arrests took place in a business residence located in the Gudu area of Abuja.
The EFCC shared news of these arrests on Thursday, January 9, 2025, through a post on their X social media account.
“Among those detained are 67 men, including four from China, and 38 women; they are accused of participating in a scam that involved fraudulent hotel reviews aimed at victims and establishments across Europe and beyond.”
“The individuals will face charges in court once the investigation wraps up,” the agency’s post indicated.
Chasing down internet fraud and corruption, the EFCC has made marked progress in recent times.
Previously, in October 2024, ten people received varying jail sentences and fines after being caught in internet-related crimes due to previous EFCC operations.
The arrested individuals confessed to charges related to internet fraud, impersonation, and employment scams.
In December 2024, the EFCC conducted its largest operation against cryptocurrency and romance scams, leading to the capture of 792 suspects in Lagos. As reported by The Cable, this extensive operation resulted in the arrest of 158 foreigners and 634 local suspects in one single action.
Additionally, the commission revealed that 27 of its officers were dismissed in 2024 due to misconduct and fraudulent behavior.
The EFCC is also investigating a claim involving $400,000 made by an unidentified person claiming to be an employee of the EFCC against a departmental manager.
On January 6, 2024, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale commented that the mass dismissals were based on the recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee and received approval from the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
“In an effort to uphold integrity and eliminate corrupt elements from its ranks, the EFCC terminated the employment of 27 officers in 2024.”
“These dismissals stemmed from the findings of the Staff Disciplinary Committee and were authorized by the Executive Chairman, Ola Olukoyede,” stated Oyewale.
