The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 105 suspects, including four Chinese nationals, for their alleged involvement in internet fraud. The suspects were apprehended in a business apartment in the Gudu area of Abuja. According to the EFCC, the suspects were involved in a hotel review job scam targeting victims and hotels in Europe and other parts of the world.
The commission announced the arrests on Thursday, January 9, 2025, via a tweet on its X handle. The suspects comprise 67 males, including the four Chinese nationals, and 38 females. They will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigations.
This latest crackdown is part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to rid the nation of internet fraud and other corrupt practices. In recent months, the commission has made significant strides in this regard. In October 2024, 10 individuals were convicted and sentenced to various jail terms and fines for internet-related offenses.
The EFCC has also been actively pursuing cryptocurrency and romance scam syndicates. In December 2024, the commission executed its largest single-day crackdown, apprehending 792 suspects in Lagos State. The operation resulted in the arrest of 158 foreigners and 634 others in a single raid on a Lagos property.
In addition to its enforcement efforts, the EFCC has also been taking steps to ensure the integrity of its own workforce. Recently, the commission disclosed that 27 of its officers were dismissed in 2024 for misconduct and fraudulent activities.
The dismissals followed recommendations by the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were subsequently ratified by the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede. According to EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale, the commission is committed to enforcing integrity and ridding its workforce of fraudulent elements.
The EFCC is also investigating a trending $400,000 claim made by a yet-to-be-identified supposed staff member of the EFCC against a Sectional Head. The commission’s efforts to combat corruption and internet fraud are ongoing, and it remains committed to ensuring that those involved in these activities are brought to justice.
The latest arrests and ongoing investigations demonstrate the EFCC’s continued commitment to tackling corruption and internet fraud in Nigeria. As the commission continues to work towards a safer and more secure online environment, it is clear that those involved in these activities will be held accountable.
