Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians in connection with suspected internet fraud at a business apartment in the Gudu area of Abuja.
The EFCC confirmed the arrests on Thursday, January 9, 2025, via a tweet on its official X handle. The suspects, which include 67 males (four Chinese nationals) and 38 females, are alleged to have been involved in a hotel review job scam targeting victims and hotels in Europe and other parts of the world.
The commission stated that the suspects would face charges in court upon completion of the ongoing investigation.
In recent months, the EFCC has intensified its efforts to combat internet fraud and other forms of corruption. In October 2024, the commission secured convictions of 10 individuals for internet-related offenses, including fraud, impersonation, and employment scams.
Additionally, the EFCC carried out its largest single-day crackdown on cryptocurrency and romance scam syndicates in December 2024, arresting 792 suspects in Lagos. The raid saw 158 foreigners and 634 Nigerians apprehended.
The EFCC also revealed that it dismissed 27 of its officers in 2024 for misconduct and fraudulent activities. This followed recommendations from the EFCC Staff Disciplinary Committee, which were ratified by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede.
The commission is also investigating a $400,000 claim made by an unidentified individual alleging misconduct involving a Sectional Head at the EFCC.
Punchng