Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a significant operation targeting Nigerian cybercriminals. On Wednesday, Meta revealed the removal of approximately 63,000 accounts linked to financial sextortion schemes aimed at users in the United States.
According to Meta’s Q1 2024 Adversarial Threat Report, the operation dismantled a coordinated network of around 2,500 accounts associated with a group of about 20 individuals. These scammers primarily targeted adult men in the U.S., using fake profiles to disguise their identities and perpetrate their crimes.
Meta’s advanced detection systems and technical investigations were crucial in identifying and disabling these accounts. The company has emphasized that financial sextortion is a transnational crime exacerbated by the activities of “Yahoo Boys,” a term used for loosely organized cybercriminals based predominantly in Nigeria.
In addition to the account removals, Meta reported the elimination of various Facebook assets, including 1,300 accounts, 200 pages, and 5,700 groups. These assets were involved in disseminating scam-related materials, such as scripts and guides for executing fraud, and sharing links to resources for creating fake accounts.
Antigone Davis, Meta’s global head of safety, explained that while the majority of the scams targeted adults and were largely unsuccessful, there were concerning instances involving minors. These cases were referred to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Meta’s efforts extend beyond merely removing accounts. The company is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies and supporting global investigations through legal responses and alerts to imminent threats. It also funds and supports Project Boost, a training initiative for law enforcement agencies aimed at enhancing their ability to handle NCMEC reports.
To protect users, particularly teenagers, Meta has implemented stricter messaging settings for users under 16 (and under 18 in certain countries) and introduced safety notices to promote online caution.
This initiative marks a significant step in Meta’s ongoing commitment to combat cybercrime and enhance digital safety worldwide.
