EFCC Arrests 105 Suspects in Abuja Hotel Review Job Scam Targeting UK Victims
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made another significant breakthrough in its fight against internet fraud, arresting 105 suspects involved in a sophisticated hotel review job scam targeting victims primarily in the United Kingdom.
The arrests were made on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Naka Hall Plaza on Abutu Garba Street, Gudu, Abuja, following actionable intelligence about emerging internet crimes involving foreign nationals. Among those apprehended were four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians. During the operation, 100 compact workstations used in the fraudulent activities were seized.
Inside the Hotel Review Job Scam
The “Hotel Review Job Scam” is a globally entrenched internet fraud scheme that has recently gained traction in Nigeria. Its operation is intricate and designed to exploit unsuspecting victims abroad, particularly in Europe.
The scam often begins with Chinese nationals recruiting tech-savvy Nigerians as Customer Service Representatives. These individuals are given foreign identities and instructed to engage expatriates online, enticing them with the promise of earning $5 for every hotel they review.
Over time, the rewards are increased to $10 per review, building the victims’ trust. Eventually, victims are persuaded to make hotel bookings worth as much as $500, with assurances of reimbursement and added interest through a crypto wallet set up in their names. However, the victims are ultimately unable to access the promised funds, leaving their money lost.
EFCC’s Global Collaboration
Speaking on the arrests, an EFCC spokesperson described the scheme as a complex and internationally linked mechanism for defrauding foreigners. “We are collaborating with other law enforcement agencies globally to uncover the full extent of this operation and dismantle its international networks,” the spokesperson said.
Connection to Lagos Bust of 792 Suspects
This operation follows the EFCC’s arrest of 792 suspected internet and investment fraudsters in Lagos just a month prior. On December 10, 2024, operatives stormed the Big Leaf Building on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, apprehending suspects involved in similar fraudulent activities.
The Commission has indicated that investigations into the Lagos operation are nearing completion, with plans to charge the suspects to court in the coming days.
A Renewed Crackdown on Cybercrime
This latest operation underscores the EFCC’s intensified efforts to combat internet-related crimes, which have gained international attention. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to identifying and prosecuting individuals involved in such schemes, ensuring that Nigeria is no longer seen as a haven for cybercriminals.