The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, February 21, 2025, arraigned 17 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before two Federal High Court judges in Lagos over alleged cyber-related fraud.
The defendants, identified as Mao Bu Yi, Li Xiang Long, Dai Li, Yu Hai Qing, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi, Hao Tao Kun, Liu Chuang, Zhao Xiao Liang, Ziao Zi Cheng, Zhang San Feng, Li Zhong Chan, Chen Gui Ping, Su Jan Fu, Su Zong Gen, Wang Jie, and Zeng Zerong, were arraigned separately before Justice Musa Kakaki and Justice Daniel Osiagor at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
According to the EFCC, the accused individuals were part of a larger group of 792 suspected cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud operatives arrested in a sting operation dubbed “Eagle Flush Operation” on December 10, 2024. The suspects face various charges, including cyber-terrorism, cybercrime, possession of fraudulent documents, and identity theft.
While Wang Jie and Zeng Zerong were arraigned before Justice Kakaki, the remaining 15 defendants faced trial before Justice Osiagor.
One of the charges against Mao Bu Yi reads: “That you, Mao Bu Yi and Genting International Co. Limited, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused a computer system to be accessed for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended, 2024).”
Another charge against Wang Jie states: “That you, Wang Jie (a.k.a. Xu Zhong Xiang) and Genting International Co. Limited, between November 29, 2024, and December 10, 2024, at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, willfully caused a computer system to be accessed in a manner designed to destabilize the social and economic structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by secretly procuring and employing several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer-related fraud, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).”
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following their pleas, prosecution counsels M.S. Owede, T.J. Banjo, A.C. Olowonihi, and N.C. Mutfwang requested trial dates and urged the courts to remand the accused in a correctional facility.
Justice Kakaki adjourned the trial of Wang Jie and Zeng Zerong to March 20, 2025, while Justice Osiagor set June 11, 2025, for the trial of the remaining defendants. All the accused persons have been ordered to remain in custody until their respective trial dates.
The EFCC continues to crack down on cybercrime syndicates in Nigeria as part of its broader efforts to combat financial fraud and cyber-related offences across the country.
