Exposed: The Tricks 192 Foreigners Used To Trap 600 Nigerian Youths In Cybercrime

ON December 10, 2024, something incredible happened in Lagos, the nation’s commercial capital. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made headlines by arresting 792 people in one day for being part of a massive scam.

This wasn’t just any scam; it involved people from many countries, including 148 from China and 40 from the Philippines, all operating from a seven-storey edifice called the Big Leaf located at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island.

This operation not only captured the attention of the nation but also raised serious questions about cybercrime and its impact on people everywhere.

A Bust to Remember

The EFCC didn’t just stumble upon this operation; they had been gathering information and watching the suspects for an entire month. They had received tips from concerned citizens and international partners who suspected something was wrong.

When they finally raided the Big Leaf Building on Victoria Island, they found a treasure trove of evidence—computers, mobile phones, laptops, and even 500 SIM cards that were used to trick people into sending money. The building had become a hub for cybercriminals, and the EFCC was determined to put a stop to it.

Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC’s Director of Public Affairs, stated: “This operation marks the largest number of arrests in a single day in our history. What makes this operation unique is the involvement of a large number of foreigners conducting fraudulent activities within Nigeria. We received intelligence about the situation and placed the property under surveillance for over a month before taking action.”

The Story of Adeola & Co.

Hundreds of young Nigerians involved in the network simply wanted jobs and ended up in a scam without realising it. Among those arrested was a young man named Adeola. At just 24 years old, he was a bright-eyed graduate of Lagos State University, full of dreams of starting his own business.

Like many young people in Nigeria, Adeola was eager to find a good job that would allow him to support his family. He had just finished his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and was excited about the future when he received a job offer as a marketer that seemed too good to be true.

“I was promised a good salary to help my family,” Adeola told the EFCC during questioning.

He didn’t realise that he was being pulled into a scam where he had to pretend to be someone else – a young woman; luring people from other countries into fake investment schemes. Initially, he thought he was just doing marketing, but soon he found himself engaging in shady activities.

“I was shocked to learn that everything was a lie. I never meant to hurt anyone,” he explained.

The Big Raid

When the EFCC arrived at the Big Leaf Building, it was a scene of chaos. Adeola felt scared and confused.

“I never thought I’d end up in a place like this. At first, I was just doing my job, but it felt wrong. I didn’t know how deep I was in until it was too late. But I stayed back to receive my salary at the end of December before I quit,” he said, reflecting on the moment when authorities stormed the building.

The agents moved quickly, seizing computers, documents, and phones. They were determined to gather enough evidence to prosecute everyone involved. As the reality of the situation sank in, Adeola realised that he and many others were caught in a web that they could hardly escape.

Understanding the Scam: The Modus Operandi

The scam syndicate operated with a well-thought-out plan.

They recruited young Nigerians like Adeola, promising them legitimate marketing jobs. Once hired, these recruits were trained to use the art of seduction and phishing tactics to lure victims—primarily from the Americas and Europe—into fake cryptocurrency investment schemes.

A key part of the scam was the $35 activation fee. Victims were told they needed to pay this fee to start their investment journey, lured by promises of high returns. After the initial contact which included winning the trust and confidence of the victims, the foreign operatives took over, convincing victims to invest larger sums of money, often through fake platforms that looked legitimate.

“I was just the first point of contact. Once I got them interested, the foreign agents would block me from the network and take over the communications, promising the victims riches in the form of high returns on investment. I didn’t see how it all worked until it was too late,” Adeola disclosed.

This complex web of deception not only exploited the victims but also trapped young Nigerians who were desperate for work, leading them down a path they never intended to take.

The Aftermath

With so many people arrested, the EFCC faced the enormous challenge of finding accommodation for everyone.

They had to utilise various facilities across Lagos to house the suspects. The sheer number of arrests was unprecedented; it took nearly five hours (from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm) to execute the arrests and transport the suspects to the various detention centres. Despite the challenges, the EFCC had to act swiftly to ensure that everyone was accounted for.

“It’s tough to manage so many people at once,” an inside source from the EFCC told Saturday Vanguard.

He stated that many of the young Nigerians detained have begun to grasp the gravity of their situation. According to him, many of them shared stories similar to Adeola’s—young Nigerians misled by the allure of quick money, now facing an uncertain future.

“I just wanted to help my family, but I’m stuck here, not knowing if I’ll be charged or sent back home,” Adeola stated.

His story highlighted how serious cybercrime has become in Nigeria and how it can affect innocent lives.

The source from the EFCC echoed these sentiments, stating, “We need to address the root causes that lead young people into these situations.”

A Call for Change

The EFCC is now collaborating with foreign embassies and international cybercrime agencies to determine the next steps. They aim to ensure that everyone involved is prosecuted, and some of the foreign suspects may be sent back to their home countries. The building, once a hub of criminal activity, now stands as a symbol of the fight against cybercrime.

“We are still screening the suspects and will take them to court in the coming days,” Uwujaren added.

“This is just the beginning of our efforts to dismantle these fraud networks and hold everyone accountable.”

Dotun Ojon, a public affairs analyst, explained the larger issue at play: “Foreigners choose Nigeria for online scams and cyber fraud due to the country’s reputational challenges. If you want to plant a seed, you must first find soil where it will thrive, which is why these foreigners engage in such crimes in Nigeria.

“The EFCC has always had the capacity to combat economic and financial crimes. The issue Nigerians have with the EFCC is that their approach to resolving issues or arresting suspects often becomes political.”

He emphasised that the EFCC’s efforts should not just be about arrests, but about sending a strong message to the world that Nigeria is serious about combating cybercrime and protecting its citizens.

Stay Alert!

As we reflect on this significant operation, let’s remember to stay vigilant. Adeola’s story serves as a reminder that the promise of quick money can lead to serious trouble.

If you receive a job offer that seems too good to be true, think twice—could it be part of a scam? Being informed and cautious is our best defence against these schemes.

Together, we can help make Nigeria a place known for honesty and integrity, not scams. By staying informed and cautious, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the dangers of cybercrime. Let’s work together to ensure a brighter, fraud-free future for everyone.