The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday disclosed that at least 40 Filipinos were among the 800 individuals arrested in Nigeria last month for alleged involvement in an internet fraud scheme.

In a statement, the DMW revealed that the Filipinos were recruited to travel to Nigeria from Dubai using tourist visas under the false pretense that their work permits would be processed upon arrival.

However, Nigerian law prohibits the conversion of tourist visas for employment purposes.

The arrests occurred during a raid on the Big Leaf Building in Lagos, suspected to be a hub for online fraud activities. The detainees face allegations of cybercrime, economic sabotage and violations of Nigerian immigration laws.

In a separate operation on 10 January in Abuja, Nigerian authorities apprehended 105 individuals, including four Chinese nationals, suspected of involvement in a fraud scheme targeting hotels across Europe.

Reports indicate that the suspects used social media platforms like WhatsApp to befriend victims, often building romantic relationships to gain trust. They then pressured the victims to transfer money under the guise of investing in fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes.

The DMW stressed that Filipinos seeking employment in Nigeria must obtain a Subject to Regularization visa from the Nigerian Embassy in the Philippines.

It also reiterated its strong warning against third-country recruitment, which involves recruiting and deploying workers from one country to another.

Details regarding the legal proceedings and the fate of the detained Filipinos are yet to be announced.