Nigeria Begins Deportation of 42 Convicted Chinese, Philippine Cybercriminals

The deported Chinese nationals at the airport. Photo: EFCC

The Nigerian government has commenced the deportation of 42 foreign nationals—comprising Chinese and Philippine citizens—convicted of cybercrime and Ponzi scheme-related offences. This marks the first phase of a broader operation targeting 192 individuals found guilty of orchestrating large-scale financial fraud within the country.

The deportees were part of a syndicate apprehended during a coordinated raid on December 10, 2024, at Oyin Jolayemi Street in Victoria Island, Lagos. The operation, which led to the arrest of 759 suspects, was one of Nigeria’s largest crackdowns on cybercrime to date. Following their conviction, the 42 individuals were handed over to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) for repatriation. Their flight out of Nigeria was scheduled for 2:00 p.m. local time on Sunday.

According to officials, the deportation process is being carried out in stages, with additional batches expected to leave on Monday and Tuesday. The remaining convicted individuals will be returned to their home countries once logistical arrangements are finalized.

A senior immigration officer at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, who spoke anonymously, confirmed the deportation and emphasized that the operation was deliberately kept low-profile for security reasons. “These individuals were not just violating immigration laws—they were involved in serious criminal activities. Deportation is standard procedure once a convict has served their sentence, especially when national security is at stake,” the officer said.

He added that even valid immigration status does not shield foreign nationals from deportation if they are found guilty of crimes. “We cannot allow foreigners to commit crimes here and have Nigerians bear the stigma. Our borders must remain secure,” he stated.

Another senior official within the NIS echoed similar sentiments, noting that the agency is actively monitoring other foreign nationals suspected of engaging in cyber-related offences. “We are focused on results, not publicity. Our mandate is clear—protect Nigeria’s borders and uphold the law,” the officer said.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which prosecuted the cases, revealed that the convicted individuals operated an elaborate cyberfraud and Ponzi network under the name Genting International Co. Limited. The EFCC stated that the group used fake identities to defraud victims and trained employees in fraudulent practices, violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede described the deportations as a major victory in Nigeria’s fight against financial crimes. “This sends a clear message: Nigeria will not be a safe haven for cybercriminals. We remain committed to recovering stolen assets and restoring public trust,” he said.

The December raid and subsequent convictions represent a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to combat transnational financial crimes. Authorities say the operation has not only disrupted a major fraud syndicate but also reinforced the country’s resolve to uphold justice and protect its financial integrity.