EFCC Arraigns 11 Chinese Nationals for Alleged Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 11 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., for alleged cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and related offenses. The arraignment took place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, before Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Defendants and Their Alleged Crimes
The defendants include:
Liu Ke Fan, 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), and
Xiong Wei (a.k.a. Xiao Bai).
The EFCC described them as part of a 792-member syndicate arrested on December 10, 2024, in Lagos during a special operation called “Eagle Flush Operation.” The group was allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment fraud, romance scams, identity theft, and cyber-terrorism.
The defendants faced separate charges related to cybercrimes, possession of fraudulent documents, and attempts to disrupt Nigeria’s economy through cyber-terrorism.
Charges Against the Defendants
One of the counts reads:
“That you, Liu Ke Fan (aka Lina, Liu Chen), Huang Hai Tao, Zhang Jian Feng, Wu A Wang, and Xiao Xin, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused access to computer systems used 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 Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as Amended, 2024) and Section 2 (3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Another count accuses Liu Ke Fan of impersonating a 28-year-old American named “Lina” living in Germany to defraud victims via a fake profile on a company-assigned Maya desktop computer.
One of the defendants, Wang Gong Lin (aka Wang Jing Lin), is also accused of providing false information to EFCC operatives to mislead investigators.
Defendants Plead Not Guilty
When the charges were read in court, all 11 defendants pleaded not guilty.
In response, EFCC prosecutor M.K. Bashir requested trial dates and urged the court to remand the defendants in correctional custody.
Court Adjourns Trial, Defendants Remanded
Justice C.J. Aneke adjourned the case to February 21 and March 7, 2025, for trial. The defendants were ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre until further proceedings.
Background
The EFCC has intensified its crackdown on cybercrime and internet fraud, with this latest arrest marking a significant operation against international fraud syndicates. The “Eagle Flush Operation” was conducted following intelligence reports on the activities of foreign cybercriminals operating in Nigeria.
More updates to follow as the trial progresses.
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