The Nigeria Police Force has announced the conviction of 21 foreign nationals, comprising Chinese and Malaysian citizens, over their involvement in a sophisticated cybercrime syndicate uncovered in the Federal Capital Territory.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the syndicate was dismantled following months of intensive surveillance and coordinated operations by the police cybercrime unit. He noted that the individuals were found guilty on multiple charges, including internet fraud, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit cybercrime.
According to Adejobi, the criminals had been operating a highly organized network that targeted victims across Nigeria and other countries, defrauding individuals and businesses of substantial sums. Investigations linked them to a web of illicit online activities, including phishing scams, hacking, and the deployment of malicious software.
“The successful conviction of these foreign nationals underscores our commitment to protecting Nigeria’s cyberspace from criminal exploitation. It also sends a strong warning to all cybercriminals, irrespective of nationality, that Nigeria is not a safe haven for such activities,” Adejobi stated.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that the convicts will serve varying prison terms as determined by the court, in addition to forfeiting assets and equipment used in perpetrating the crimes. He urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious online activities.
This development comes as part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime in Nigeria, with the police reiterating their resolve to collaborate with international partners in dismantling cross-border criminal networks.
