Love, Lies, and Larceny: One Hundred Convicted Case Files of Cybercriminals with Eighty Involving Online Romance Fraud

Soares, AB. ; Lazarus, S. ; Button, M. (2025) — Deviant Behavior

DOI: 10.1080/01639625.2025.2482824

Synopsis

This article analyzes 100 convicted cybercrime case files prosecuted by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, with 80 cases involving online romance fraud. Many offenders engaged in multiple offenses, including cryptocurrency investment fraud and hacking.

Guided by Space Transition Theory (STT), the study highlights the transient and intermittent nature of online offending. The findings show that most offenders are young males aged 18–28, largely university undergraduates or graduates. Geographically, 96% originate from southern Nigeria.

The majority of offenders (96%) acted as primary perpetrators, with only 2% serving as mules, another 2% taking dual roles. While there are perceptions of lenient cybercrime punishments, the case files reveal active prosecution and sentencing.

By using verified case files rather than online scammer profiles, which are often fabricated, the study provides unique insights into offender demographics and enforcement practices. These findings can inform future research and evidence-based strategies to counter cybercrime in Nigeria and beyond.

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