The Nigerian Immigration Service and the Economic and Financial Commission(EFCC)B on Sunday, 17 August, 2025 confirmed the deportation of 42 out of the 192 Chinese and Philippine nationals convicted for cyber terrorism and Ponzi scheme offences back to their home countries, reports Business Today NG
According to NIS and EFCC, the first batch of deportees, who left Nigeria at exactly 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, 17 August, 2025 were among 759 persons arrested during a major raid on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
They added that other deportees will be airlifted to their home countries on Monday and Tuesday respectively .
EFCC handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for deportation, upon conclusion of their sentences.
The syndicate had been operating a large-scale cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme before being rounded up in the joint operation.
Several of the charges included allegations of using fake identities online to defraud victims, training employees of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent practices, and other offences contrary to and punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to the EFCC, which prosecuted the cases, a total of 192 foreigners—comprising Chinese and Philippine nationals—were convicted in connection with the scam just as it also added that the charges highlighted serious crimes aimed at undermining Nigeria’s security and financial integrity.
speaking on the development, , the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, described the convictions and deportations as a milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime and financial fraud.
Olakoyede reiterated the Commission’s resolve to intensify investigations, recover looted funds, and restore national dignity in line with President Bola Tinubu’s anti-corruption drive.
