The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a shocking operation in Lagos, where foreign nationals allegedly paid Nigerians up to ₦300,000 monthly to carry out romance scams. The revelation followed the arrest of 792 suspects, including 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, two Kazakhs, a Pakistani, an Indonesian, and their Nigerian accomplices, during a recent raid.
The EFCC raided a building rented by the syndicate for a five-year term. Ahmed, a security guard at the building, recounted the events of the bust. “The day EFCC raided the building, they came with over 30 buses,” he said. “The suspects were taken away in white buses. The Chinese were teaching the Nigerians fraud and paid them ₦300,000 monthly with weekly allowances of ₦80,000. They also provided food and operated shifts—morning, afternoon, and night.”
Ahmed also noted the suspects had been operating for only three months before their arrest. “On the day of the raid, many suspects wet themselves out of fear. The EFCC blocked all entrances and carried out the operation with precision.”
Locals confirmed the lucrative pay attracted many Nigerians. A trader on the street said, “One of their workers earned ₦100,000 for just 10 days of work, with accommodation provided.” Another guard, Ola, added, “Even if someone got sacked, they still paid them.”
A released Nigerian suspect, speaking anonymously, shared his ordeal in EFCC custody. “The EFCC officers searched my phone thoroughly. They asked about my job and my family. They were professional, but it was tough in detention. We shared one plate of rice among four people. The Filipinos only ate once a day and were visibly depressed.”
The suspect revealed that representatives from the Chinese embassy sent food to the detainees and that his friend remains in custody.
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Residents of the area reported intense scenes during the raid. “EFCC officers fired tear gas, and many people fainted,” a witness stated. Passers-by now avoid the building, reflecting the fear and tension left in the raid’s aftermath.
A senior EFCC official described the operation as part of a multi-level investigation. “We are looking into the immigration status of the suspects and their criminal records in their home countries. Incriminating documents proving they were involved in romance scams were recovered.”
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale clarified some misconceptions, saying, “Contrary to claims, the suspects were not involved in cryptocurrency scams. Our investigation is ongoing, and we will update the public when we conclude.”
The Lagos operation highlights the growing global footprint of internet scams and the critical need for collaborative efforts to combat financial crimes. The EFCC has reassured Nigerians that justice will be served.