LAGOS: EFCC arraigns 16 more Chinese for alleged cyber-terrorism, internet fraud

The suspects were brought before Justice Daniel Osiagor today.

According to the charge sheets, the defendants include Hu Hui (a.k.a. A Bin), Liao Ri Xing (a.k.a. Li Jun), Li Qiang (a.k.a. Yang Huan Huan), A Wen, Da Tou, Cheng Jian, Cong Bing, Fei Fan, Huxi Heng, Zheng Wei (a.k.a. A Hong), Huang Zhi, Zhang Lei, Sun Zhi Peng, Huang Jin Hui, Wù Hao, and Lu Qiang.

They were part of a group of 792 individuals suspected of involvement in cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.

The EFCC apprehended them on December 10, 2024, in Lagos during a sting operation codenamed Eagle Flush Operation.

The defendants face multiple charges, including cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, and identity theft.

Prosecution counsel Nnaemeka Omewa informed the court that Li Qiang (a.k.a. Yang Huan Huan) and Genting International Co. Ltd allegedly accessed a computer system in December 2024 with the intent to undermine Nigeria’s economy and social structure.

This act, he noted, violates Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.

Additionally, Li Qiang was accused of possessing fraudulent documents with the intent to defraud, including online chat formats where he posed as a female model to deceive victims.

This offense falls under Sections 6 and 8(b) and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act, No.14 of 2006.

Similarly, Hu Xi Heng and Genting International Co. Ltd were charged with accessing a computer system for the purpose of disrupting Nigeria’s economic and social stability, an offense also punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes Act.

All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution then requested a trial date and their remand in a correctional facility.

Justice Osiagor ordered their detention at the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre and scheduled the trial for June 23, 2025.