Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered an alleged cybercrime training centre popularly referred to as a “Yahoo academy” in Abuja, arresting 31 suspected internet fraudsters during a sting operation.
Gatekeepers News reports that the suspects were apprehended at Becki Estate in Karu, a suburb within the Federal Capital Territory, where they were reportedly undergoing training in internet fraud.
The anti-graft agency revealed that those arrested included two suspected kingpins and several trainees, described as interns, who were being coached on how to carry out online scams.
Items recovered from the operation include mobile phones, 18 laptops, and other electronic gadgets, believed to have been used for fraudulent activities.
Preliminary investigations further showed that some of the trainees were lured from Benue State with promises of legitimate job opportunities, only to be recruited into cybercrime upon arrival.
Reports also indicate that the recruits were allegedly confined within the facility, had restricted movement, and were cut off from the outside world, as part of efforts to enforce compliance with the illegal training programme.
EFCC stated that the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are completed, as part of its ongoing crackdown on internet fraud and organised cybercrime networks in Nigeria.
