Nigeria Deports Over 100 Foreign Nationals Convicted in Crypto Romance Scams
Lagos, Nigeria – August 22, 2025
Nigeria has intensified its fight against cybercrime by deporting more than 100 foreign nationals convicted in connection with elaborate online scams involving fake cryptocurrency investments tied to romance schemes. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, announced Thursday that 60 Chinese nationals and 39 Filipinos were among those deported on charges of “cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.”
Crackdown on Cybercrime Rings
The recent deportations are part of a broader crackdown targeting criminal networks operating within Nigeria, particularly on Victoria Island—an affluent area of Lagos where authorities uncovered a major cybercrime hub late last year. In December 2024, Nigerian law enforcement arrested a total of 792 suspected cybercriminals during a large-scale operation. Out of those, 192 were foreign nationals, including 148 Chinese citizens.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale revealed that, since August 15, additional groups comprising 39 Filipinos, 10 Chinese, and two Kazakhstani nationals have also been deported, with further deportations planned in the coming days. The agency shared images showing the suspects, mostly Asian men wearing surgical masks, at airport check-in counters ahead of their repatriation.
Modus Operandi: Crypto Romance Scams
The network of cybercriminals exploited international victims by promising romantic relationships online and encouraging investments in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. These romance scams typically involve deceiving victims into transferring money or divulging personal information, including passwords, through sophisticated phishing tactics.
“These scams are not only financially devastating, but they also prey on the emotions and trust of individuals,” said EFCC officials. Many victims, predominantly from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe, lost their savings, business capital, or borrowed funds to these elaborate investment frauds.
Nigeria’s Role in the Global Cybercrime Landscape
Nicknamed “Yahoo Boys” locally, Nigeria’s internet fraudsters have long been notorious for online scams. In recent years, foreign cybercrime syndicates have established bases within Nigeria, capitalizing on vulnerabilities in the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
The EFCC has successfully dismantled several hideouts where young people are recruited and trained in online scamming methods. Foreign gang leaders work with Nigerian accomplices who help identify and engage victims worldwide through phishing scams and other digital stratagems.
Increasing Sophistication and Ongoing Challenges
Cybercrime experts note that the tactics used by these fraudulent groups have become increasingly sophisticated, employing the latest digital tools and technologies to stay ahead of law enforcement. Nigeria’s government and security agencies continue to strengthen efforts to combat these threats, recognizing that cybercrime has far-reaching consequences for both local and international communities.
This recent wave of deportations sends a strong message that Nigeria is committed to eradicating the presence of foreign cybercriminal syndicates on its soil and protecting global citizens from these deceptive investment scams.
Sources: Al Jazeera and news agencies