The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, arraigned nine Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., in connection with allegations of cyber terrorism and internet fraud.
The defendants, who appeared before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Lagos, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The individuals named in the case include Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, Ting Liao, Fan Jia, Feng Li Cani, Lu Yong Yao, and Yang Chen Cheng.
According to the EFCC, the accused are part of a syndicate involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud. This group was arrested on December 10, 2024, during an operation dubbed “Eagle Flush Operation” by EFCC operatives in Lagos. The crackdown led to the arrest of 792 individuals, all of whom are alleged to have been part of similar fraudulent activities.
The charges against the defendants include cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, and identity theft, among other offences. The EFCC has been actively pursuing such crimes, which have had significant financial implications on victims both within Nigeria and internationally.
During today’s court proceedings, the prosecution counsel, M.K. Bashir, requested trial dates and urged that the defendants be remanded in the correctional centre pending the hearing. Following the proceedings, Justice Aneke adjourned the case to February 21 and March 7, 2025, for trial. In the meantime, the defendants have been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
This case follows closely on the heels of a similar prosecution earlier this week, in which 11 other Chinese nationals were arraigned before the same court for alleged involvement in cybercrimes aimed at destabilising Nigeria’s economy.
The EFCC’s efforts to combat cybercrime continue to intensify as they seek to hold individuals and organisations accountable for activities that threaten the financial stability of the nation.
