The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered a specialised internet fraud academy in the Federal Capital Territory and arrested 31 suspects in a major sting operation.
The facility, located in Becki Estate, Karu, was reportedly used to train “interns” in various cybercrime techniques. Among those apprehended were two suspected kingpins identified as the proprietors of the academy.
Investigations by the anti-graft agency revealed a grim operation where recruits were lured from Benue State with the promise of legitimate employment. Upon arrival, however, their mobile phones were seized, and they were confined within the estate to undergo mandatory fraud training.
The EFCC stated that the recruits were subjected to “corporal punishment” and heavy-handed physical assault if they showed any resistance to the training or failed to comply with the academy’s strict rules.
Items recovered from the raid include 18 laptop computers and numerous high-end mobile devices used for the tutorials. The agency confirmed that the suspects will be charged in court as soon as the ongoing investigation is concluded.
