Internet Fraud Tops Nigeria EFCC Arrests in 2024: 2,588 Cases Recorded

The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recorded dominant arrests in internet fraud at 2,588 cases in 2024. The agency tackled a range of crimes last year, from fraud and currency racketeering to illegal mining and forex violations.

Fraud saw the second-highest number of arrests at 815, highlighting its widespread occurrence across various sectors. Currency racketeering followed with 168 arrests, underscoring concerns over illegal currency trading. Illegal mining accounted for 127 arrests, revealing ongoing exploitation of natural resources.

Forex-related offenses were also prominent, with 39 arrests of forex speculators and 18 arrests of illegal Bureau de Change (BDC) operators, shedding light on forex vulnerabilities. Impersonation and naira abuse, each resulting in 7 arrests, pointed to identity-related and monetary misconduct. There were also 4 arrests each for illegal dealings in solid minerals and currency fraud, highlighting niche economic violations.

Additionally, the EFCC's diverse crimes-combatting focus included 3 arrests for employment scams, 2 arrests for counterfeiting, and isolated cases of bank hacking, money laundering, and even a death threat against the EFCC chair.

On January 9, 2025, EFCC operatives, acting on intelligence about emerging internet crimes involving foreigners, dismantled a syndicate of fraudsters specializing in a hotel review job scam targeting victims predominantly from the United Kingdom. The operation resulted in the arrest of 105 suspects and the recovery of 100 compact workstations.