Nigeria Begins Deportation of 192 Foreign Cybercrime Convicts

The Nigerian Immigration Service, working hand in hand with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has commenced the deportation of foreign nationals convicted of cyber terrorism and Ponzi scheme-related offences.

On Sunday, 42 out of 192 convicted Chinese and Philippine nationals were escorted out of the country and flown back to their home nations. Images of some of the deportees were obtained at the airport shortly before departure.

The first group boarded their flight at about 2:00 p.m. local time. According to the EFCC, they form part of a larger syndicate of 759 persons arrested during a massive raid on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Commission confirmed that deportations will continue on Monday and Tuesday, as other convicts handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service are processed for removal.

Investigations revealed that the syndicate had been running a large-scale cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme, with operations that spanned across borders. The EFCC, which prosecuted the cases, secured the conviction of 192 foreigners for their roles in the scam.

Among the charges were allegations of impersonation, internet fraud, and training employees of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent practices—offences that violated the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

In line with a plea bargain agreement, the court ordered that all those convicted serve their sentences before being deported.

Speaking on the development, EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, described the convictions and deportations as a major milestone in Nigeria’s anti-corruption battle. He emphasized that the Commission remains committed to pursuing investigations, recovering stolen assets, and safeguarding the country’s financial system, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda.

The December 2024 raid—one of the largest anti-cybercrime crackdowns in Nigeria’s history—was seen as a turning point in the fight against transnational financial crime.