The INTERPOL working with Nigerian law enforcement agencies have arrested 36 suspects involved in cyber fraud and human trafficking. The coordinated operation also led to the recovery of $3 million, as well as drugs, cars, and weapons.
Authorities uncovered widespread cyber-enabled fraud, including romance scams, cryptocurrency schemes, and celebrity impersonation fraud. Three suspects were arrested for sextortion, where victims were blackmailed with explicit content.
Most of the arrested individuals were under 35, highlighting the increasing involvement of young people in organized crime.
Security operatives identified 12 victims of human trafficking, who were lured abroad with false promises of work but were instead forced into sexual exploitation and labor. A female recruiter, who had disguised herself as a victim, was arrested, and $16,000 was seized from her account.
Authorities confiscated 19 kg of cocaine worth $2.8 million, 51 kg of cannabis, five cars, two weapons, and 215 rounds of ammunition. The bust highlights the deep-rooted criminal operations in the region.
INTERPOL’s acting Executive Director of Police Services, Cyril Gout, emphasized the aggressive expansion of West African criminal groups, urging continued collaboration between national and international agencies to combat these threats.
“This operation proves that by working together, we can dismantle criminal networks and bring justice to those affected,” Gout stated.
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