The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 21 suspected cybercrime fraudsters and recovered five exotic cars during a sting operation at Applewood Estate, Orchid Road, Lekki, Lagos.

The commission disclosed this in a statement following the operation conducted by operatives of its Lagos Directorate 1 at about 5 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26.

According to the EFCC, the suspects allegedly obtained money from unsuspecting victims through gift cards, cryptocurrencies and international money transfers while impersonating various individuals.

It said the operation followed pre-arrest surveillance and reconnaissance of the suspects’ activities.

The commission added that preliminary investigations indicted 19 of the 21 suspects, while the remaining two had been released.

It said the indicted suspects would be arraigned in court immediately.

The EFCC also addressed reports surrounding the operation, stating that a young woman who allegedly attempted to alert the suspects by making telephone calls was temporarily held and her phone confiscated.

According to the commission, the phone was returned to her after the operation.

The anti-graft agency maintained that the operation was conducted professionally, with no record of harassment, intimidation or unlawful arrest.

It urged members of the public to support its efforts to combat economic and financial crimes and condemn activities capable of damaging Nigeria’s reputation.

The commission also expressed its readiness to engage in constructive discussions with Nigerians, while warning against attempts to undermine its mandate through what it described as blackmail and alarmism.