The Nigerian Immigration Service has begun deporting 42 out of 192 Chinese and Philippine nationals convicted for cybercrime and Ponzi scheme offences. The first group of deportees was flown out of Nigeria on Sunday, August 17.

They were part of 759 people arrested during a major raid on December 10, 2023, at Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where security agencies uncovered a large fraud network.

More deportations are scheduled to take place on Monday, August 18, and Tuesday, August 19, to complete the exercise.

All those convicted have been officially handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service for removal from the country.

Investigations revealed that the syndicate had been running an extensive cyber fraud and Ponzi scheme before being dismantled in a joint security operation.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), 192 foreigners made up of Chinese and Philippine nationals were convicted for their involvement in the fraudulent activities.

The charges against them included creating fake identities online to deceive victims, training employees of Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent acts, and other crimes under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.

The EFCC explained that these crimes were a serious threat to Nigeria’s security and financial system, undermining trust and stability.

Its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, described the convictions and deportations as an important milestone in the country’s fight against cybercrime and financial fraud.