The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned eleven Chinese nationals, one Filipino, and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, in Lagos, over allegations of cybercrime and internet fraud.
They were arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi,
The defendants, identified as Wang Zheng Ming, Li Yin Hui, Xian Hong Will, Zhang Xiao Lei, Long Zhao Ming, Guo Xiao Fei, Yang Sheng, Wang Zheng Feng, Chen Wenyuan, Liu San Hua, Luo Jia You, and Rheign Dela Vega, were arrested on December 19, 2024, during a large-scale “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by EFCC operatives in Lagos. They are part of a 792-member syndicate allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.
The accused were charged with cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, identity theft, and providing false information to law enforcement.
One of the charges read:
“That you, Li Yin Hui and Genting International Co. Limited, on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully accessed computer systems organized to seriously destabilize the constitutional structure of Nigeria… by procuring and employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and fraud, thereby committing an offence punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”
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Another charge stated:
“That you, Luo Jia You (AKA A. You), sometime in December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully provided false information to EFCC officers during an investigation, falsely representing yourself to mislead investigators… thereby committing an offence punishable under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.”
Additionally, Long Shao Ming (AKA Ling Yang) was accused of possessing documents containing false pretence, including impersonating a U.S. citizen named Linda Maureen, in an alleged advance fee fraud scheme.
All 12 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their pleas, EFCC prosecutors L.P. Aso, M.K. Bashir, T.J. Banjo, N.K. Ukoha, and B. Buhari-Bala requested the court to set trial dates and remand the accused in correctional facilities.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to February 7, 14, and 21, 2025, for trial and ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres.
