The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters during a sting operation at a cybercrime training centre in Becki Estate Karu, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, in a statement issued on Thursday said the suspects, made up of two alleged kingpins and several trainees, were apprehended while undergoing tutorials in internet fraud at what investigators described as a “fraud academy.”
Items recovered during the operation include mobile phones, 18 laptop computers and other electronic gadgets believed to have been used for cybercrime activities.
Preliminary investigations by the commission revealed that some of the trainees were allegedly lured from Benue State with promises of legitimate employment.
However, upon arrival at the facility, the recruits were reportedly handed communication devices, computers and software tools, and subsequently initiated into internet fraud schemes.
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Findings further indicated that the operators of the centre imposed strict control measures on the trainees, housing them within the premises and restricting their movement.
The suspects were also allegedly stripped of their personal mobile phones, effectively cutting off communication with the outside world.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that corporal punishment was routinely meted out to enforce compliance, with trainees subjected to physical assault for acts of disobedience.
The commission said the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
