Nigeria Deports 192 Chinese and Philippine Nationals Over Cybercrime and Ponzi Scheme Offences

The Nigerian Immigration Service has commenced the deportation of 42 foreign nationals—comprising Chinese and Philippine citizens—linked to cyber terrorism and Ponzi scheme activities.

It will be recalled that on December 10, 2023, operatives carried out a massive raid on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, during which 759 suspects were arrested, including the 42 deportees.

According to officials, the first batch out of 192 convicted foreigners was scheduled to depart Nigeria on Sunday afternoon, while additional groups will be airlifted on Monday and Tuesday after completing the repatriation process.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which prosecuted the cases, revealed that the 192 convicted foreigners were found guilty of using fake online identities to defraud victims, training employees of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent activities, and other offences under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, described the convictions and deportations as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime and financial fraud. He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to intensifying investigations, recovering stolen funds, and restoring Nigeria’s financial integrity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive.

The December raid, regarded as one of Nigeria’s most extensive anti-cybercrime operations, is seen as a turning point in the country’s battle against transnational financial crimes.