The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 14 Filipinos, along with Genting International Company Limited, before Justice Musa Kakaki at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defendants (14 Filipinos), part of a larger 792-member syndicate involved in alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud, were arrested on December 10, 2024, during a surprise operation dubbed ‘Eagle Flush’.
The individuals facing charges include Marj Maranga, Zara Fabian, Jonalyn Mendoza, and several others, who are accused of multiple offenses, such as cybercrime, cyber-terrorism, impersonation, and identity theft.
Specific charges against Mary Grace Dela Cruz detail her role in employing Nigerian youths for identity theft, which the EFCC said is meant to destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structure.
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Similarly, Krystel Aquilesca is alleged to have fraudulently impersonated an individual to gain financial advantage.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After their plea, the prosecution requested trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility.
Justice Kakaki set the next court date for March 13, 2025, and ordered their remand.