148 Chinese Arrested in Nigeria for Online Fraud; Properties Seized

Nigerian authorities have apprehended 148 Chinese nationals as part of a larger group of 792 suspects arrested on December 10th in connection with an alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance scam operation. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria announced the arrests on its X social media platform on April 25th. The EFCC stated that at least 192 of the 792 individuals arrested were foreign nationals.

According to the official statement, a court in Lagos has issued an order for the temporary seizure of 73 properties linked to the suspects. Additionally, authorities confiscated a significant amount of equipment from the Chinese individuals, including 1,596 laptop computers, thousands of mobile phones, hundreds of bunk beds, and over 400 refrigerators.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) notes that Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, has long been known for internet fraudsters commonly referred to locally as "Yahoo Boys." Cybersecurity experts have cautioned that foreign "cybercrime syndicates" are also exploiting vulnerabilities in Nigeria's cybersecurity infrastructure to establish operational hubs within the country.