FBI, EFCC Collaborate to Arrest Major Internet Fraud Kingpin in Nigeria

In a joint international cybercrime operation, the FBI and Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested a suspected fraud kingpin accused of leading a global romance and business email scam syndicate from Lagos.

Frankly Clinton

0 43

FBI, EFCC Collaborate to Arrest Major Internet Fraud Kingpin in Nigeria

A professionally designed news banner with a dark blue background featuring the official logos of the FBI (left) and Nigeria’s EFCC (right). In between, a bold white headline reads, “FBI, EFCC Collaborate to Arrest Major Internet Fraudster in Nigeria.” The layout is clean, symmetrical, and visually striking, reflecting the seriousness of an international cybercrime operation.

Lagos, Nigeria – May 14, 2025

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in collaboration with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has announced the arrest of a high-profile internet fraudster believed to be the mastermind behind a vast global scam network.

The suspect, whose name is being withheld pending further investigation, was apprehended in Lekki, Lagos, following a months-long undercover operation dubbed Operation Eagle Sweep. The individual is alleged to have coordinated a ring of cybercriminals involved in romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), and identity theft, defrauding victims of more than $9.8 million USD globally.

According to FBI Special Agent Rebecca Marsh,

This arrest represents the power of cross-border cooperation in fighting digital crime. The networks may be global, but so is the law enforcement response.

The EFCC confirmed that several luxury vehicles, laptops, mobile phones, and documents containing financial and login details were seized during the raid. Digital forensic experts from both agencies are analyzing the suspect’s devices, which allegedly contain access to hundreds of victim profiles.

The fraud ring reportedly operated by creating fake online personas to manipulate individuals into sending money, primarily targeting vulnerable U.S. citizens and small business executives.

The suspect is expected to face prosecution in Nigerian courts, with the possibility of extradition to the United States pending further legal procedures.

We are sending a clear message: no matter where you are, if you target Americans through online fraud, we will find you, said a spokesperson from the FBI’s Cyber Division.

This case adds to a growing list of joint FBI-EFCC arrests as both agencies continue to expand their collaboration in cybercrime investigations.

Call to Action:

Stay alert to online fraud. Report suspicious activities at www.ic3.gov or follow cyber safety tips at www.fbi.gov.