EFCC Warns: Foreign Fraudsters Establishing Criminal Networks in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – May 15, 2025

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a “coordinated and dangerous rise” in criminal activity by foreign fraud syndicates operating within Nigeria. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed that several intelligence operations in recent months have uncovered deeply embedded networks of foreign nationals using Nigeria as a base to launch sophisticated cybercrime campaigns.

These individuals are not acting alone,” Oyewale said. “They are building structured organizations, recruiting Nigerians into their operations, and using digital platforms, fake documents, and shell companies to mask their criminal activity. The operations stretch beyond Nigeria’s borders and have already impacted victims in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and parts of Asia.

According to the EFCC, investigations have shown that many of these criminal groups are involved in:

• Romance scams targeting foreign victims
• Business email compromise (BEC) and invoice fraud
• Fake cryptocurrency and investment schemes
• Money laundering through digital wallets and shell accounts
• Recruitment of Nigerian youths as online agents and ‘money mules

Several recent arrests across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano revealed international links to Eastern Europe, South Asia, and parts of North Africa. In some cases, the syndicates were operating out of rented luxury apartments, posing as tech startups, NGOs, or private investment firms.

The EFCC revealed that assets recovered during raids included over $1.3 million in cash, multiple luxury vehicles, passports from different countries, and digital storage devices containing access to hundreds of victim email addresses, photos, and login credentials.

This is not just an issue of crime, it’s a threat to our national image and economic integrity,” said EFCC Chairman Abdulrasheed Bawa in a separate televised statement. “We are not going to allow Nigeria to become a haven for global cybercriminals.

The EFCC confirmed that they are working with INTERPOL, the United States FBI, Europol, and financial intelligence units from several African and European nations to trace and dismantle the full scope of these transnational fraud networks.

In addition to arrests, the EFCC has launched a public awareness campaign called “Know the Signs, Stop the Scam”, which includes education on common scam tactics, warning signs, and how citizens can report suspected activity. A new digital reporting portal has also been launched to allow anonymous whistleblowing.

Nigerians are being urged to:

• Be wary of foreign “business partners” requesting personal or banking details
• Avoid get-rich-quick investment opportunities from unknown individuals
• Report suspicious activity immediately via www.efcc.gov.ng

Oyewale concluded with a stern message:

To those collaborating with foreign cybercriminals: we will find you. Nigeria cannot afford to harbor crime within its borders—whether it’s local or imported.

As the EFCC continues to intensify operations nationwide, Nigerians are being asked to remain vigilant and cooperative in the fight against financial crime, which remains one of the country’s most serious economic and reputational challenges.

Call to Action:

Help protect Nigeria’s digital future. Report fraud, scams, or suspicious transactions to the EFCC via their official portal or hotline.