Summary: Nigeria’s anti-graft agency busted a massive crypto scam operation in Lagos, arresting 792 suspects. The scammers used fake online romances to trick people into shady crypto “investments” and steal their cash.
A Hub of Crypto Heartbreaks
In what sounds like something straight out of a movie, Nigerian authorities raided a building in Victoria Island, Lagos, where nearly 800 scammers ran what’s called *crypto romance scams*. Their playbook? Pretend to fall in love with victims online, gain their trust, and then pressure them into “investing” in fake crypto projects. Once the cash rolled in, these scammers ghosted faster than a bad Tinder match.
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Global Targets, Sneaky Tactics
These scammers primarily targeted Americans, Canadians, Europeans, and even some Mexicans, luring them via WhatsApp, Instagram, and Telegram. The hustle started small, with victims paying “activation fees” as low as $35 to set up fake accounts. The raid revealed just how international this operation was 148 Chinese nationals, 40 Filipinos, and individuals from Kazakhstan, Pakistan, and Indonesia were caught.
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Seized Devices and Organized Crime Links
Wilson Uwujaren, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, confirmed that phones, laptops, and cars were seized. Authorities are now teaming up with international agencies to dig deeper into potential ties to organized crime. Stay alert love and crypto don’t always mix well.
