Interpol and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have jointly held a seminar aimed at improving the investigative skills of law enforcement authorities in Nigeria, which is a base for some people engaged in so-called romance scams.

Romance scammers on social media and elsewhere try to convince their targets that they are interested in getting married or pursing a relationship. They then swindle money out of their victims. Cases involving romance scams have been surging in Japan.

About 40 officials from 10 law enforcement bodies in Nigeria attended the 4-day seminar in the capital, Abuja.

Officials from Interpol and Japan's National Police Agency taught local officials how to cooperate with relevant organizations abroad.

They also explained methods used to investigate cases involving the use of cryptocurrencies. Scammers often use cryptocurrencies to collect money from their victims.

During the seminar, the attendees participated in a simulation exercise. The simulated case involved an elderly man who was defrauded of a large amount of money by a woman he met on a social media site. The woman asked him to invest in cryptocurrency.

A Nigerian investigator said the program was helpful and that he wants to fight corruption and financial crimes.

Interpol official Kaya Tomonobu said he hopes that Nigerian investigators can acquire the skills needed to expose international criminal groups and contribute to the safety and security of their country and the world.