Nearly 800 Arrested in Nigerian Crypto Romance Scam Crackdown

Nigerian authorities dismantle major international fraud hub in Lagos, targeting victims worldwide with fake crypto investments.

The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 792 suspects in a large-scale raid on a seven-story building in Lagos used for crypto romance scams.
The operation involved nationals from Nigeria, China, the Philippines, and other countries, with foreign operatives reportedly training and directing local recruits.
Scammers targeted victims primarily in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Mexico, luring them through fake romantic relationships before defrauding them via fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.
Authorities recovered significant evidence, including 500 SIM cards, high-end computers, and foreign phone numbers, highlighting the operation's sophistication.
The arrests underscore Nigeria's efforts to combat its reputation as a hub for online fraud and reflect broader anti-corruption measures under President Tinubu's administration.