Between May and July 2025, 99 foreign nationals—mostly Chinese and Filipinos—were convicted in Nigeria for cybercrime, cyberterrorism, internet fraud, and illegal mining, according to the EFCC.
Between May and July 2025, 99 foreign nationals—mostly Chinese and Filipinos—were convicted in Nigeria for cybercrime, cyberterrorism, internet fraud, and illegal mining, according to the EFCC. The convictions follow a December 19 sting operation, “Eagle Flush,” which saw 792 arrests.
In July, 15 Chinese nationals were sentenced in Lagos by Justices Ayokunle Faji and Dehinde Dipeolu. The EFCC stated the individuals “were part of organised groups” behind elaborate scams involving cryptocurrency, fake websites, and cloned identities.
Previous convictions included 18 individuals—15 Chinese, two Filipinos, and one Pakistani—on June 20, and 17 Chinese nationals on June 23. Other convictions occurred throughout May and June across Lagos and Plateau States, including for illegal mining.
The EFCC said, “They operated romance scams, investment fraud, and cyberterrorism.”
These convictions come ahead of an August 1 policy deadline requiring foreigners to regularise overstayed visas or face “stiff penalties,” according to the National Orientation Agency.