Lagos: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with other agencies, has deported a batch of 51 foreign nationals convicted of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related financial crimes. The deportation, which took place in Lagos, marks the final phase of a series of deportations involving convicted foreign nationals in connection with financial crimes.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, EFCC Spokesperson Dele Oyewale announced that the deportation was executed in conjunction with the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). This final group of 51 convicts, which includes 50 Chinese nationals and one Tunisian, concludes the deportation of a total of 192 foreigners convicted of financial crimes in Lagos State.
Oyewale detailed that the last batch of deportees left Nigeria on October 16, following the successful prosecution of 759 suspects in a major sting operation carried out by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The deportation process began on August 15 after the offenders were convicted by the Federal High Court in Lagos for crimes related to cybercrime, money laundering, and Ponzi scheme operations.
The first group of 42 convicts, which included Chinese and Filipino nationals, was deported on August 15, with subsequent groups following throughout August and September. The nationalities of the deported individuals span China, the Philippines, Tunisia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Timor-Leste. The deportations were conducted in coordinated batches from August to mid-October 2025, adhering to court directives and immigration procedures.
The deported individuals were implicated in a sophisticated cybercrime and Ponzi scheme syndicate, operating under the guise of Genting International Co. Limited. Investigations, based on reliable intelligence, confirmed the involvement of these foreigners in large-scale online fraud, identity theft, and cyber-enabled Ponzi schemes. Evidence indicated that they trained recruits and managed fraudulent digital platforms targeting victims both locally and internationally.
The deportations were carried out by the Nigeria Immigration Service, as mandated by the court.