Fraudsters in Uyo
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reported the apprehension of 24 suspected internet fraudsters in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State. The suspects were allegedly trained for cybercrimes, and their arrest followed intelligence received about a storey building believed to be a hideout for training internet fraudsters in Ewet Housing Estate and Nelson Mandela areas.
In a statement released by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Monday, it was disclosed that an all-male group of suspects was captured in two locations during an intelligence-driven sting operation. The locations, D-Line Ewet Housing Estate and Nelson Mandela area in Uyo, were targeted based on the received intelligence.
The statement detailed the items recovered from the premises and the suspects, which included five exotic cars, 18 laptops, 17 mobile phones, and one internet router. The EFCC has been actively combatting cybercrimes, and the recent operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb fraudulent activities.
This incident echoes a similar operation in 2019 when the EFCC arrested 23 trainers and trainees at a “Yahoo Academy” located at Essien Essien Street, Ikot Ibiok village in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The agency has consistently taken actions against individuals involved in various forms of internet fraud.
The suspects apprehended in the recent operation are expected to face legal proceedings once investigations are concluded. The EFCC continues to work towards maintaining the integrity of financial transactions and ensuring the security of online activities, contributing to the fight against cybercrimes in Nigeria. The recovered items serve as evidence of the illicit activities carried out by the suspects, reinforcing the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat cybercriminal networks operating within the country.
Source EFCC arrests 24 suspected trainee internet fraudsters in Uyo