Nigeria Deports Convicted Chinese and Philippine Nationals
The Nigeria Immigration Service has begun the deportation of 192 Chinese and Philippine nationals who were convicted of cyber-terrorism and Ponzi scheme offenses. The individuals are being deported in batches, with the first group having departed on August 17, 2025.
This deportation follows a large-scale anti-fraud operation conducted by Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The individuals were among a group of over 700 suspects arrested in a sting operation in Lagos in December 2024. The syndicate was found to be running a major Ponzi scheme and other forms of cyber fraud, including cryptocurrency investment and romance scams, which the EFCC stated were aimed at "destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria."
After being charged with cyber-terrorism and internet fraud in Federal High Courts in Lagos, many of the foreign nationals initially pleaded not guilty but later changed their pleas to guilty, leading to plea bargains. The courts convicted and sentenced them to prison terms, often with the option of a fine. The court orders specifically mandated that upon completion of their sentences or payment of the fine, the convicts must be deported to their home countries by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The deportations are being carried out in collaboration with the relevant embassies and high commissions, in line with the court orders.
