Police operatives attached to Zone 7 command and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-NCCC) Abuja, have dismantled a group of foreign nationals involved in a series of cybercrimes including internet fraud and marketing scams.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this on Monday.
He said the suspects were arrested on 3 November 2024 in Jahi, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
During investigation, operatives of the NPF-NCCC recovered a vast array of digital critical evidence, believed to be instrumental in the syndicate’s cybercrime operations. The recovered items include 1 Black Toyota Tundra vehicle, laptops of different makes, smartphones of various brands, tablets, desktops, computers and keyboards, Harman/Kardon sound system, routers of telecommunication company brands as MTN, Huawei, Airtel, D-Link and Starlink.
Others are gamepads, 1 Sony PlayStation 5, a central processing unit, multiple SIM cards from both local and international service providers, high-capacity servers, drones and specialized cyber equipment, international passports, identity cards, and travel documents.
Adejobi further stated that these assets recovered are suspected to have been used in executing a range of cybercrime activities, including unauthorized data breaches, marketing scams and other cybercrime activities. The scale and sophistication of the operation underscores the increasing global threat posed by cybercriminal syndicates operating across borders.
“As a follow-up to the investigation and recoveries, compiled with credible evidence against the suspects, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC), has arraigned the 113 foreign nationals facing serious charges, including computer-related fraud, unlawful access to data, marketing scams, money laundering, conspiracy, and illegal immigration, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja”, the Force PRO said.
He added that extensive investigations have uncovered the alleged involvement of the suspects in criminal activities spanning both cybercrime, immigration offences and human trafficking networks.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, while commending the operatives of the NPF-NCCC, reaffirmed the capabilities and expertise of the Nigeria Police Force in tackling cybercrimes and protecting cyberspace in Nigeria and beyond.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to leverage the emerging technological advancement to protect the citizens of Nigeria both physically and in the digital space, reiterating that the Force is well-dedicated and well-equipped to combat cases of cybercrime in the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force will continue to work closely with international law enforcement agencies and embassies to track and prosecute cybercriminals, combat cybercrime and other forms of transnational criminal activity and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable under Nigerian law”, he said.
