Nigeria’s anti-graft agency has announced the arrest of 792 suspects during a raid on a building suspected to be a centre for fraudsters. These individuals allegedly deceived victims with romantic offers before coercing them into investing money in fake cryptocurrency schemes.
On December 10, authorities apprehended a group of suspects comprising 148 Chinese nationals and 40 Filipinos at the seven-storey Big Leaf Building in Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, according to Wilson Uwujaren, spokesperson for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
He noted that the upscale structure served as a call centre primarily aimed at individuals from the Americas and Europe.
According to Uwujaren, staff members engaged with individuals via social media and messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram, attempting to entice them online or presenting seemingly profitable investment opportunities.
After victims were ensnared, they faced intense pressure to send funds for fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes and other imaginary ventures.
“According to Uwujaren, foreign kingpins enlisted Nigerian accomplices to seek out victims online via phishing schemes, primarily focussing on individuals from the United States, Canada, Mexico, and various European nations.”
“He stated that once the Nigerians successfully gain the trust of potential victims, the foreigners would assume responsibility for executing the fraud.”
Uwujaren stated that the Commission works with international partners and will investigate possible connections to organised crime. He reported that agents confiscated computers, phones, and vehicles during the raid.