The Nigerian authorities have finalised the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted for involvement in cyber-
terrorism, internet fraud, money laundering and Ponzi scheme operations. The effort was a collaborative undertaking by the
EFCC, NIS and NCoS targeting one of the largest foreign-led cyber-fraud syndicates in the country. According to the EFCC, the
operation began following a major raid on 10 December 2024 at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, during which
759 suspects were arrested. The convicts were subsequently prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Lagos under the
Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and related legislation. The deportation exercise commenced on
15 August 2025, when the first batch of 42 convicts, comprising Chinese and Filipino nationals, were sent out of Nigeria.
Subsequent batches followed throughout August and September. The final group of 51 convicts, including 50 Chinese
nationals and one Tunisian, departed Nigeria on 16 October 2025, completing the repatriation of all 192 individuals.
The deported individuals included nationals from China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan,
and Timor-Leste. The convicted foreigners were found to have worked alongside Nigerian accomplices in a sophisticated
cyber-fraud network, operating under the cover of a purported company named Genting International Co. Limited. They were involved in large-scale online fraud,
identity theft, and Ponzi investment schemes targeted at both local and international victims. The EFCC’s investigation revealed that the syndicate
trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms that lured and defrauded unsuspecting victims. In a statement, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described
the deportation as “a strong statement of Nigeria’s resolve to rid its cyberspace of transnational criminal networks.”
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to prosecuting offenders, recovering stolen assets and safeguarding
Nigeria’s digital and financial ecosystems. The successful completion of the repatriation is viewed as one of the most
significant crackdowns on foreign-led cyber crime in Nigeria’s recent history, signalling increased pressure on
international syndicates operating within the country. The conclusion of the deportation exercise reflects enhanced
inter-agency cooperation between the EFCC, NIS and NCoS.The involvement of foreign nationals underscores the global nature of cyber-fraud syndicates and
Nigeria’s role as a base for such operations.The case highlights the use of masqueraded organisations (such as
Genting International Co. Limited) to facilitate large-scale Ponzi and cyber-fraud schemes. With this milestone achieved,
the Nigerian government and anti-fraud agencies appear poised to intensify efforts against cyber-crime, money laundering and other digital threats.
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