The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 44 individuals in connection with internet fraud across various locations in Enugu and Anambra States.
This was confirmed by the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.
According to Oyewale, the suspects were apprehended by operatives from the Enugu Zonal Directorate on September 28 and 29, following actionable intelligence that linked them to online criminal activities.
The operation targeted individuals involved in defrauding unsuspecting victims via social media platforms.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects exploited social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, to deceive unsuspecting victims,” Oyewale disclosed.
He further explained that some of the suspects had been impersonating foreign nationals in fake romantic relationships with the intention of defrauding their targets.
“Some suspects used fake identities to engage foreign nationals in romantic affairs with the intention of defrauding them,” Oyewale added.
In addition to the arrests, the EFCC recovered laptops and advanced mobile devices from the suspects, believed to have been used in carrying out their fraudulent activities. Oyewale assured that once investigations are concluded, the suspects would face charges in court.
The EFCC has been ramping up efforts to curb the rising tide of internet fraud in Nigeria, particularly targeting those who use digital platforms to prey on vulnerable individuals worldwide.
