Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) have uncovered what the anti-graft agency described as a full-fledged internet fraud training centre, popularly known as a “Yahoo academy,” in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and arrested 31 suspects during a raid on Thursday.
The anti-graft agency disclosed that the suspects were arrested at Becki Estate in Karu, Abuja, where they were allegedly undergoing intensive training in cybercrime.
According to the commission, those arrested include two suspected internet fraud kingpins believed to be running the operation, alongside several recruits described as “interns” who were caught in the middle of fraud tutorials at the facility.
Items recovered during the sting operation, according to EFCC, include multiple mobile phones, 18 laptop computers and other electronic gadgets suspected to have been used for fraudulent activities.
The commission said that its preliminary investigations revealed a disturbing pattern of recruitment and exploitation, as some of the trainees were allegedly lured from Benue State with promises of legitimate job opportunities.
However, upon arrival at the facility, the recruits were reportedly stripped of their freedom and coerced into learning internet fraud.
The EFCC said the suspects were provided with communication devices, computers and specialized software designed to facilitate cybercrime training.
The commission said that the academy operators enforced strict control measures, including confining recruits within the premises and confiscating their personal mobile phones to cut off contact with the outside world.
According to the commission, more troubling were allegations of abuse, as recalcitrant trainees were said to be subjected to corporal punishment and physical assault to ensure obedience and compliance.
The EFCC said the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations, stressing that it has intensified efforts to dismantle organised cybercrime networks operating under the guise of training centres across the country.
