Nigeria has deported 99 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese citizens and 39 Filipinos, after they were convicted of involvement in large-scale cryptocurrency romance scams.
Authorities confirmed that the individuals had been operating elaborate online schemes targeting unsuspecting victims with fraudulent investment promises and romantic entanglements, ultimately swindling them out of millions of dollars.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with law enforcement and immigration services, led the investigation that uncovered the network. Officials revealed that the syndicate operated from multiple locations in Nigeria, using sophisticated digital tools to lure victims—many of them overseas—into transferring funds under the guise of cryptocurrency investments.
Following their conviction in Nigerian courts, the foreign nationals were ordered to serve their sentences locally. Upon completion, the Federal Government directed their immediate deportation as part of ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect Nigeria’s international reputation.
“This action sends a strong message that Nigeria will not tolerate the misuse of its territory for international scams,” an EFCC spokesperson said, stressing the government’s determination to clamp down on cyber fraud while working with foreign partners to trace stolen funds.
The deportations also highlight the growing global challenge of crypto romance scams, a fast-evolving form of cybercrime where perpetrators exploit emotional connections to defraud victims. Experts warn that the anonymity of digital assets and cross-border nature of the schemes make enforcement difficult, underscoring the need for stronger international cooperation.
Nigeria remains a hotspot in the fight against cybercrime, with authorities pledging more robust enforcement measures and stricter regulation of digital financial activities.
Source – My News Ghana
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