A Lagos court has sentenced nine Chinese nationals to one year in prison and fined each one million naira (approximately $630) for their involvement in cryptocurrency and romance scams, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced on Tuesday.
The convicted individuals, who initially pleaded not guilty, later admitted to charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. Their sentencing follows a large-scale EFCC operation in December 2024 on Victoria Island, a wealthy district in Lagos, where 792 suspects were arrested in connection with a transnational cybercrime ring.
According to the EFCC, the Chinese nationals were part of a syndicate that ran fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes and romance scams targeting victims across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Europe. Investigators recovered mobile phones, laptops, routers, and other digital devices used in the operations.
“The suspects exploited online platforms to swindle unsuspecting individuals, mostly from abroad,” the EFCC said in an official statement.
The agency has consistently warned about the growing involvement of foreign cybercriminals in Nigeria, often working in collaboration with local operatives to execute phishing campaigns and other digital frauds.
This sentencing reflects a broader trend of international suspects being held accountable in Nigerian courts, as authorities intensify their crackdown on cybercrime. EFCC Chair Ola Olukoyede reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling fraud networks and emphasized the need for stronger global partnerships in combating internet-based crimes.
With Nigeria historically flagged as a hotspot for online scams, the government has stepped up enforcement in recent years, increasing raids on cybercrime hubs and investing in digital forensic tools to track and prosecute offenders.
Written By Rodney Mbua
