The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 21 internet fraudsters at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, in Lagos.
The anti-graft agency, in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday, said the suspects were arrested for obtaining money from unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies, and international money transfers by impersonating several individuals.
“The operation, carried out by 5:00 a.m., yielded the arrest of 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters and five exotic cars,” the EFCC stated.
According to the EFCC, the fraudsters were apprehended professionally, thanks to diligent pre-arrest surveillance and reconnaissance of their activities.
It disclosed that a young lady who stood in the way of the operation by making telephone calls to alert the fraudsters was detained, and her phone was confiscated until the operation concluded.
“The sting operation at Applewood Estate was professionally carried out, with no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest of anyone. The commission is open to constructive engagement by well-meaning Nigerians, but blackmailers and alarmists will not be allowed to sabotage its mandate,” said EFCC.