In a landmark enforcement move, Nigeria has repatriated 42 foreign nationals—comprising Chinese and Philippine citizens—convicted of cyber terrorism and Ponzi scheme offenses, further cementing the country’s aggressive stance against transnational cybercrime .
Key Highlights:
Deportation Commences:
On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m. (WAT), the first batch of 42 deportees departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, under the supervision of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), following their judgement and imprisonment .
What Lies Ahead:
This is merely the opening salvo: the remaining 150 convicted individuals are slated for deportation on Monday and Tuesday, culminating the repatriation of 192 foreign nationals in total .
Judicial Proceedings & Fines:
Convicted via plea bargain agreements in the Federal High Court, Lagos, each individual received a 1-year prison term and a N1,000,000 (one million Naira) fine, after being handed over by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) .
Background of the Crackdown:
The crackdown traces back to a December 10, 2024, raid on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where 759 suspects were arrested. The operation exposed an extensive cyber-fraud network involved in romance and investment scams, crypto-based Ponzi schemes, and impersonation tactics .
Asset Forfeiture & Financial Trails:
In a related judicial action, the EFCC secured a final forfeiture order for digital assets valued at USDT $222,729.86, traced to Chinese nationals linked to the syndicate. The network also funneled over ₦2.26 billion through Genting International Co. Ltd. between April and December 2024 .
EFCC’s Position:
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede hailed the judgment and deportations as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s anti-cybercrime war. He reaffirmed the Commission’s intent to enhance investigations, recover stolen assets, and uphold national dignity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda .
Why This Story Matters:
1. International Ripple Effect:
The deportations underscore a potent message to global cybercriminals using Nigeria as a staging ground for online fraud.
2. Public Trust & Governance:
This major take-down signals progress in President Tinubu’s anti-corruption campaign and boosts public confidence in national law enforcement strategies.
3. Digital Crime Prevention:
Revealing the syndicate’s methods—romance scams, crypto-forced investments, SIM card misuse—exposes the operation's sophistication and underlines the growing threat.
4. Forfeited Funds & Symbolism:
Asset seizures, especially of cryptocurrency, mark a shift in how digital crime proceeds are being traced, reclaimed, and repurposed.
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