Ahead of the Yuletide, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has launched total war on online fraudsters otherwise known as ‘Yahoo Boys’, The PUNCH has learnt.
The operation codenamed ‘Cyber Storm’, will involve EFCC operatives monitoring suspicious transactions especially by youths who cannot explain their source of wealth.
The commission will also deploy its agents in nightclubs and concerts where youths usually go to “pop” expensive champagne. The anti-graft agency will also be monitoring social media accounts of suspected fraudsters who usually show off their expensive cars and houses.
Confirming the development, the Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Tony Orilade, said, “The chairman, Ibrahim Magu, has constituted a Special Task Force on Internet Fraud.
“The task force, is made up of personnel from ICT, Public Affairs, Operations and Special Control Unit against Money Laundering.”
As part of the operation, the EFCC has already arrested over 50 suspected online fraudsters in the last 10 days in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan.
An EFCC operative said, “We have declared a total war on Yahoo boys who have done nothing but given Nigeria a bad name home and abroad. We know their methods of operation. Be assured that in the coming days we will make more arrests.
“Those who live honest lives will not be touched.”