Summary: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has successfully dismantled a large-scale international cybercrime syndicate involved in romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, leading to the arrest of 792 suspects. This operation revealed a sophisticated network that targeted victims across multiple countries, utilizing fake platforms and impersonation tactics.
Threat Actor: International Cybercrime Syndicate | International Cybercrime Syndicate
Key Point :
- 792 suspects arrested, including 193 foreign nationals from various countries.
- Scams involved fake online platforms with activation fees starting at $35.
- Training hub disguised as a corporate office taught recruits to impersonate foreign women.
- Victims targeted primarily in the US, Canada, Mexico, and Europe.
- EFCC recovered high-end computers and over 500 SIM cards linked to Nigerian telecom networks.
Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismantled an international cybercrime and cryptocurrency investment fraud syndicate operating from Lagos. The operation has resulted in the arrest of 792 suspects, including 193 foreign nationals from China, the Philippines, Pakistan,,Indonesia, and Kharzartan, along with Nigerian accomplices.
The syndicate orchestrated sophisticated romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes targeting victims in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. The operation involved a fake online platform, requiring activation fees starting at $35.
The building, disguised as a legitimate corporate office, served as a training hub where Nigerian recruits were taught to impersonate foreign women, engage in romantic conversations, and lure victims into investing in the fake cryptocurrency schemes. The EFCC recovered high-end desktop computers, over 500 SIM cards linked to Nigerian telecom networks, mobile devices, laptops, and vehicles during the raid.
Nigerian recruits were selected based on computer skills and underwent a two-week training program. They initiated contact with victims via platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram, handing over the defrauding process to foreign handlers. Payments to recruits were made in cash or through personal accounts, authorities said.
Original Source: https://x.com/officialEFCC/status/1868688467682902338
Cyber Law and Cybercrime Investigation Blog: Immuniweb