The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arrested 31 suspected internet fraudsters, in a sting operation, at an internet fraud academy, situated in Becki Estate, Karu, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The suspects, comprising two kingpins and interns, were nabbed while undergoing internet fraud tutorials.

Items recovered include several phones, 18 laptop computers and other gadgets.

Investigation by the EFCC revealed that some of the interns were lured all the way from Benue State by the academy proprietors with the promise of job offers, but upon settling down at the facility, were handed communication devices, computers and software, setting the stage for their training in cyber fraud.

To enforce compliance and dedication, the proprietors accommodate the recruits in the academy and restrict their movements strictly within the perimeters of the facility, and forcibly took possession of their mobile phones.

Accordingly, they were totally cut off from the outside world.

Furthermore, corporal punishment was the order of the day, with heavy-handed physical assault meted out to interns who were seen to be recalcitrant.

According to the EFCC, the suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.