EFCC Arraigns Nine Chinese Nationals for Alleged Cyber-Terrorism and Internet Fraud in Lagos
posted 7th February 2025
Lagos, Nigeria — 6 February 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate, on Thursday, 6 February 2025, arraigned nine Chinese nationals alongside Genting International Co. Ltd. before Justice C.J. Aneke at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defendants, identified as Su Dong Fu, Zheng Xian Tao, Wang Shi Long, Pan Cai Qi, Ting Liao, Fan Jia, Feng Li Cani, Lu Yong Yao, and Yang Chen Cheng, face charges related to alleged cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, identity theft, and possession of documents containing false pretences.
According to the EFCC, the individuals are part of a larger syndicate of 792 suspects involved in cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud. The syndicate was apprehended on 10 December 2024 during a coordinated operation named "Eagle Flush Operation" conducted in Lagos.
One of the charges against the defendants states:
"That you, ZENG XIAN TAO (also known as A TAO and ZHOU TAO) and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, sometime in December 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, wilfully caused to be accessed, computer systems used for the purpose of destabilising 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."
All the defendants pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them in court.
Following their pleas, the prosecution counsel, M.K. Bashir, requested the court to set trial dates and order the defendants' remand at the correctional facility.
Justice Aneke granted the request, adjourning the trial to 21 February and 7 March 2025. The accused have been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the commencement of the trial.
The EFCC has reaffirmed its commitment to combating cybercrimes and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic integrity, stressing that operations like "Eagle Flush" are critical in addressing the growing menace of cyber-related offences.
