EFCC, Immigration repatriate 192 foreign cybercrime convicts
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the deportation of 192 foreign nationals convicted for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and other financial crimes in Lagos.
According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, the deportation exercise was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), following the conclusion of legal and correctional processes.
“The final batch of 51 convicts, comprising 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian was repatriated on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
“This brings to a close the deportation operation that began on August 15, 2025, when the first batch of 42 convicts, made up of Chinese and Filipino nationals, was sent back to their countries. Subsequent groups were deported in phases throughout August and September.
‘In total, the 192 convicts included nationals from China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste.
“All were sentenced by the Federal High Court in Lagos after being found guilty of cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme-related offences”, the statement read.
The EFCC disclosed that the mass deportation followed a sting operation conducted on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, during which 759 suspects were arrested.
Investigations by the Commission, revealed that the convicts were part of a sophisticated cyber syndicate operating under the cover of Genting International Co. Limited, a company allegedly used as a front for large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and Ponzi scheme operations.
The Commission noted that the offenders worked alongside Nigerian accomplices and were responsible for training recruits and managing fraudulent digital platforms that targeted victims both locally and internationally.
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According to the EFCC, the entire operation, from arrest and prosecution to conviction and deportation was executed in line with due process and court directives.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service carried out the deportation as directed by the court, bringing this high-profile cybercrime prosecution and repatriation effort to a successful conclusion,” EFCC stated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against cross-border financial crimes, stressing that the deportations send a strong message about Nigeria’s zero tolerance for cyber-enabled criminal activities.
