EFCC Arraigns 11 Chinese Nationals And A Company For Cyber Terrorism And Internet Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned 11 Chinese nationals and Genting International Co. Ltd. on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of cyber terrorism, internet fraud, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents.

The defendants, whose names include Liu Ke Fan, Huang Hai Tao, Zhang Kian Feng, Wu A Wang, and Xiao Xin, were identified as members of a syndicate involved in cryptocurrency and romance fraud activities. The suspects were arrested during an operation in December 2024, part of the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush” initiative, which targeted a larger network of 792 alleged fraudsters in Lagos.

Justice C.J. Aneke read out multiple charges under the Cybercrimes Act (2015, as amended in 2024) and the Terrorism Act (2022). The charges allege that the defendants intentionally accessed computer systems to destabilise Nigeria’s economy and engaged in fraudulent online impersonation schemes.

All defendants pleaded not guilty when their charges were read in court. The prosecution counsel, M.K. Bashir, has requested trial dates and recommended that the defendants be remanded in custody. Justice Aneke adjourned the case to February 21 and March 7, 2025 for trial, ordering that the defendants remain at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

The EFCC continues to pursue its investigation into cyber-related crimes in Lagos and emphasises that efforts to combat such fraudulent activities remain a top priority.