EFCC Arraigns 14 Filipinos For Alleged Cyber-Terrorism And Internet Fraud In Lagos

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 14 Filipinos and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before Justice Musa Kakaki at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The accused individuals include Marj Maranga, Zara Fabian, Jonalyn Mendoza, Dominique Medina, Rachelle Cabalona, Krystel Aquilesca, Caselyn Pionela, Raizza Camara, Danica Silad, Reyna Mae Eriba, Chynna Samonte, Mary Grace Dela Cruz, Sevien Cire Renovilla, and Rose-Ann Gonzales.

They are part of a larger syndicate of 792 suspects linked to alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud schemes. These individuals were arrested on December 10, 2024, during a surprise operation dubbed “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by EFCC operatives in Lagos.

The defendants face multiple charges related to cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, impersonation, possession of documents containing false pretenses, and identity theft.

One specific charge against Mary Grace Dela Cruz states: “That you, Mary Grace Dela Cruz and Genting International Co. Ltd., sometime in December 2024 in Lagos, willfully accessed computer systems organized to destabilize and destroy the fundamental economic and social structure of Nigeria by employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and misrepresenting themselves as foreign nationals to gain financial advantage.”

Similarly, Krystel Aquilesca is charged with fraudulently impersonating an individual known as ‘TETEEL’ with the intent to secure financial gain for her employer.

All defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. Following their pleas, prosecution counsel M.K. Bashir, N.K. Ukoha, and Bilkisu Buhari requested trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility.

Justice Kakaki has adjourned the case until March 13, 2025, for trial and ordered that the defendants be held in a correctional center during this period.