The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 11 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, on charges of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and identity theft. The arraignment took place on Friday, February 14, 2025, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The accused individuals—Li Niu, Xiao Qinyun, Fu Zheng Yang, Xiao Yi, Bei Bei Linde Jun, Li Hang, Huan Livo, Wang Wei Tong, Mo Ying, Gao Yang, Zebin Chen, and Yuan Zhibin—are allegedly part of a 792-member cybercrime syndicate arrested by the EFCC during a surprise operation codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation” on December 10, 2024. The operation targeted individuals suspected of engaging in cryptocurrency investment scams, online romance fraud, and other cyber-related crimes.
The EFCC has filed separate charges against the accused, including cyber-terrorism, unauthorized access to computer systems, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents.
One of the charges against Bei Bei Linde Jun and Genting International Co. Ltd alleges that between November 28 and December 10, 2024, they willfully accessed computer systems to orchestrate fraud schemes that aimed to destabilize Nigeria’s social and economic structures. The charge further claims that they recruited and employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and other fraudulent activities, violating Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).
Another charge against Li Niu accuses him of being in possession of documents where he falsely represented himself as a Singaporean woman named “Lisa” for fraudulent purposes. The EFCC argues that this act violates Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, which carries severe penalties.
When the charges were read in court, all 11 defendants pleaded “not guilty.” Following this, the prosecution team, led by Ahmed Yerima, F.S. Mohammed, A.M. Dambuwq, and N.C. Mutfwang, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending the trial.
Justice Aneke granted the prosecution’s request, adjourning the trial to March 14 and 21, 2025. He further ruled that the defendants be remanded at Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres until their next court appearance.
The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on cybercrime networks operating in Nigeria, particularly those involved in cross-border financial fraud. The arrest of the 792-member syndicate is considered one of the largest anti-cybercrime operations in recent history.
Authorities warn that cyber-fraud syndicates, often disguised as cryptocurrency investment platforms, have defrauded victims of millions of dollars worldwide. The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to dismantling such networks and bringing perpetrators to justice.
The trial of the 11 Chinese nationals is expected to be closely monitored, as it could set a precedent for handling large-scale cybercrime cases in Nigeria.
