EFCC Arraigns 11 Chinese Nationals in Lagos Over Cyber-Terrorism and Internet Fraud

Lagos, Nigeria – In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 11 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The defendants face multiple charges, including cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents.

The Accused and the Charges

The individuals charged are:

• Liu Ke Fan (a.k.a. Lina, Liu Chen)
• Huang Hai Tao
• Zhang Kian Feng
• Wua Wang
• Xiao Xin
• Wang Hong Lin
• Wu Yong An (a.k.a. Zenga Niu)
• Chen Yuan (a.k.a. Xiao Doa)
• Chen Dong Dong (a.k.a. Cun Zhao)
• Weng Mao Rong (a.k.a. A Xiang and Wang)
• Xiong Wei (a.k.a. Xiao Bai)

According to the EFCC, the suspects were part of a larger syndicate apprehended during the agency's high-profile "Eagle Flush Operation" on December 10, 2024. This operation targeted a seven-story building on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, which authorities believe served as a hub for cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud schemes.

Cybercrime and Economic Sabotage

The EFCC alleges that the defendants engaged in activities that directly threatened Nigeria’s economic stability. One of the charges against them states:

"That you, LUI KE FAN (AKA LINA, LIU CHEN), HUANG HAI TAO, ZHANG JIAN FENG, WU A WANG and XIAO XIN, sometime in December 2024 at Lagos, Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section 2 (3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022."

Additionally, the EFCC alleges that Liu Ke Fan impersonated a 28-year-old American named "Lina," using a fake profile on a company-assigned computer to deceive and defraud unsuspecting victims.

Legal Proceedings and Detention

During the court proceedings, all defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution, led by EFCC counsel M.K. Bashir, requested a trial date and the remand of the suspects in a correctional facility. Justice Aneke adjourned the case to February 21 and March 7, 2025, for trial and ordered that the accused be held at Ikoyi Correctional Centre until further proceedings.

A Nationwide Crackdown on Cyber Fraud

This latest prosecution is part of Nigeria’s broader campaign against cybercrime. The EFCC’s recent operations have resulted in nearly 800 arrests linked to online fraud, including cryptocurrency and romance scams, underscoring the growing threat of cybercriminal syndicates in the country.

As the case unfolds, it serves as a significant test of Nigeria’s resolve to combat cybercrime and protect its citizens from digital fraud. The EFCC remains committed to tracking down and prosecuting those who seek to exploit the nation’s digital infrastructure for illicit gains.

What’s Next?

With the suspects now in detention, all eyes will be on the upcoming court dates as the Nigerian judiciary moves to address one of the country’s largest cybercrime cases in recent history. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future cybercrime-related prosecutions and reinforce Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on digital fraud.