Chinese nationals, 105 others nabbed over fraud in Nigeria

Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 105 individuals, including four Chinese nationals, for allegedly running an internet fraud scheme targeting hotels in Europe and beyond.

The suspects were apprehended on Thursday during a raid at an apartment in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Diaspora Digital Media understands.

The group is accused of operating a fraudulent “hotel review job” scheme, where they would recruit Nigerian locals to work as customer service representatives, using fake identities to engage with foreign victims online.

The scam involves promising victims $5 for every hotel review, with payments increasing to $10 per rating.

Victims are then convinced to make bookings in rated hotels for up to $500, with promises of reimbursement with interest via a crypto wallet.

This latest crackdown comes after a similar operation last month, where nearly 800 people, including 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, were arrested in connection with a global fraud operation involving romance scams and fake cryptocurrency investments.

The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to tackling cybercrime and international fraud networks, with investigations underway and all suspects set to face trial once inquiries are complete.

The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as possible.

The arrest of the 105 suspects is a significant milestone in the EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime in Nigeria.

The commission has been working tirelessly to identify and disrupt online fraud schemes, and this latest operation is a testament to its dedication to protecting Nigerians and foreigners alike from online scams.

The EFCC has urged the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious online activities to the commission.

It has also warned that anyone found to be involved in online fraud would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

In addition to the arrest of the 105 suspects, the EFCC has also seized several items, including laptops, phones, and documents, which are believed to be linked to the online fraud scheme.

The commission is currently analyzing the seized items to gather more evidence and to identify other suspects who may be involved in the scheme.

Internet fraud problem in Nigeria 

Internet fraud is a rampant issue in Nigeria, with a significant number of young people involved in various forms of online scams.

The problem is deeply rooted in the country’s socioeconomic landscape, with factors such as greed, poor parental upbringing, and unemployment contributing to its prevalence.

Many Nigerian youths are drawn to internet fraud as a means to quickly acquire wealth and luxury items, such as cars and expensive electronics.

The lack of effective parenting and guidance also plays a significant role in the proliferation of internet fraud.

Many young people are left to their own devices, with little supervision or direction, making them more susceptible to negative influences.

Furthermore, Nigeria’s high unemployment rate, particularly among young people, has created a sense of desperation and hopelessness.

This has led some to seek alternative means of making a living, including internet fraud.

The Nigerian government has been working to combat internet fraud, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) actively pursuing and prosecuting those involved in online scams.

In recent years, the EFCC has arrested hundreds of individuals, including several high-profile cases involving Nigerian nationals and foreign collaborators.

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