The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, along with a Nigerian, Audu Friday, before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on charges of cyber-terrorism, computer-related fraud, and money laundering.
Specifically, the defendants are facing an 11-count charge involving the laundering of ₦3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203, linked to an alleged cryptocurrency investment scam and romance fraud.
They were arrested on December 19, 2024, as part of the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation,” which targeted a syndicate of 792 individuals operating in Lagos.
According to the EFCC, Friday established Genting International Co. Ltd. under the directive of Haoyu, allegedly to facilitate fraudulent schemes.
One of the charges stated that the trio conspired to gain financial advantage by recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals in online scams.
The anti-graft agency further stated that the defendants allegedly retained over ₦3.4 billion in a Union Bank account, suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
All three pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the anti-graft agency’s lawyer, Bilkisu Buhari, to request an accelerated trial and that the defendants remain in EFCC custody.
The counsel for the defence, Emeka Okonkwo (SAN), also supported their remand pending a bail hearing.
Justice Osiagor granted the request and adjourned the case for further proceedings.
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