EFCC Arraigns 11 Chinese Nationals Over Alleged Cyber Fraud, Identity Theft

 


The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 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, identified as Liu Ke Fan, Huang Hai Tao, Zhang Kian Feng, Wu A 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), were arrested during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” in December 2024 in Lagos. 

They are alleged to be part of a larger syndicate of 792 suspects involved in various cyber fraud schemes.  


Charges Against the Defendants 


The accused face multiple charges, including cybercrime, cyber-terrorism, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents, with a focus on cryptocurrency scams and romance fraud.  

One of the charges states that the defendants willfully accessed computer systems with the intent to destabilize Nigeria’s economy and social structure, an offence punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024) and Section 2 (3) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. 

Additionally, Liu Ke Fan (a.k.a. Lina, Liu Chen) is accused of impersonating a 28-year-old American woman named “Lina,” supposedly residing in Germany.

The EFCC alleges that he used a company-assigned Maya desktop computer at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, to create fraudulent profiles targeting unsuspecting victims. 

This offence is punishable under Section 22(2) (b) and Section 22 (2)(iv) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.  

Another defendant, Wang Gong Lin (a.k.a. Wang Jing Lin), allegedly provided false information to EFCC officers to mislead their investigation. 

His offence is punishable under Section 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004. 


Court Proceedings and Next Steps 


All 11 defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.  

Prosecution counsel M.K. Bashir requested the court to set trial dates and remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending trial.  

Justice Aneke granted the request, adjourning the case to February 21 and March 7, 2025, for trial. Until then, the accused will remain in custody at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.  

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