Nigerian Authorities Detain 792 in Bitcoin Fraud Crackdown

Officials from the EFCC have dismantled a major fraudulent call center in Lagos, detaining 792 suspects. This was reported by local media.

Among those detained are 158 foreigners, including citizens of China, the Philippines, and Kazakhstan.

According to authorities, foreign coordinators hired Nigerians to carry out investment and romance scams. They lured victims from Europe, North and South America onto the fake investment platform Yooto. The account activation fee on this platform ranged from $35.

Communications were conducted via WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram.

Law enforcement seized over 500 SIM cards, computers, mobile phones, and vehicles.

The suspects are in custody pending trial. Further details and the identities of the scheme’s organizers have not been disclosed.

Earlier in October, Hong Kong authorities arrested 27 individuals who defrauded $46 million from enamored men using deepfakes.