The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has completed the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes in Lagos.
The EFCC, in a statement on Sunday, said the exercise marked the conclusion of a major inter-agency operation targeting transnational cybercrime syndicates operating within Nigeria.
This latest action follows the arrest and prosecution of 759 suspects during a large-scale sting operation conducted by EFCC operatives on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The commission noted that the deportation began on August 15, 2025, after the convicts were sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos for offences bordering on cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.
According to the EFCC, the first batch of 42 convicts, made up of Chinese and Filipino nationals, was deported on August 15, while subsequent batches followed throughout August and September. The final batch of 51 convicts, including 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, departed Nigeria on October 16, 2025, bringing the total number to 192.
Those deported included nationals of China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. The exercise was carried out in line with court directives and Nigeria’s immigration regulations.
Investigations revealed that the convicts were members of a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi scheme syndicate operating under the name Genting International Co. Limited, in collaboration with some Nigerian accomplices.
The operation uncovered large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes targeting both local and foreign victims. Evidence further indicated that the foreigners not only managed the fraudulent platforms but also trained local recruits in executing the scams.
Following their conviction, the Nigerian Immigration Service carried out their deportation as ordered by the court, with the support of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
The EFCC described the operation as a landmark achievement in the fight against cybercrime and financial terrorism, reaffirming its commitment to strengthen cooperation with local and international partners in combating digital fraud.
“The deportation underscores Nigeria’s zero tolerance for cybercrime and its commitment to upholding global standards in digital security and law enforcement cooperation,” the EFCC stated.