Nigeria's Largest Cybercrime Bust: 792 Arrested in Crypto-Romance Scam

• By Eddah Nafula

• 244

• Last updated Sep 20, 2025

In a significant crackdown on cybercrime, Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 792 individuals on December 10, 2024, at the opulent Big Leaf Building in Lagos. This seven-story complex, resembling a legitimate corporate headquarters, was allegedly a hub for sophisticated fraud operations targeting victims across the Americas and Europe.

Among those detained were 148 Chinese and 40 Filipino nationals, alongside other foreign suspects. These individuals are accused of orchestrating elaborate romance and cryptocurrency scams. They reportedly used social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to establish deceptive relationships or propose enticing investment opportunities. Once trust was secured, victims were coerced into transferring funds into fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.

EFCC spokesperson Wilson Uwujaren detailed the operation's structure, noting that foreign masterminds recruited tech-savvy Nigerian youths to initiate contact with potential victims through phishing tactics. After initial trust was built, foreign operatives would assume control to execute the fraudulent activities. This collaboration underscores the transnational nature of the scheme, blending local knowledge with international resources to exploit unsuspecting individuals.

The EFCC's raid resulted in the seizure of numerous assets, including vehicles, computers, and over 500 local SIM cards intended for illicit use. This operation highlights Nigeria's commitment to combating cybercrime and its willingness to collaborate with international partners to dismantle such networks. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized that Nigeria is not a safe haven for criminals, stating, "Criminals will not have any place to hide in Nigeria."

This crackdown is part of a broader effort to address the growing prevalence of online scams, particularly those involving cryptocurrency and romance fraud. Such schemes have led to significant financial losses globally, with the FBI reporting nearly $4 billion in losses in 2023 due to similar scams.

The EFCC's decisive action serves as a warning to cybercriminals exploiting digital platforms for fraudulent activities. As the digital landscape evolves, so too does the resolve of law enforcement agencies worldwide to protect individuals from such deceitful practices.