Nigeria Deports over 100 Foreign Nationals for Crypto Scams

Nigeria Deports over 100 Foreign Nationals for Crypto Scams
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The Nigerian government has deported 102 foreign nationals, including 60 Chinese and 39 Filipinos, who were convicted of “cyber-terrorism and internet fraud,” Al Jazeera reported. This action is part of a growing crackdown on online criminal operations that use fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes to defraud victims.

According to an Al Jazeera report, the deportees were among 792 individuals arrested in Lagos in December 2024 as part of an operation targeting cybercriminals. The scams, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often involve “romance scams” where criminals lure victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes. These operations primarily target victims in the Americas and Europe, often resulting in them losing their life savings. The article also notes that foreign syndicates are known to exploit Nigeria’s cybersecurity vulnerabilities and recruit local accomplices, known as “Yahoo Boys.” More deportations are expected as the government continues its crackdown on these criminal activities.