The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, brought 11 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, to face multiple charges, including cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, and identity theft.
The accused individuals include 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). They were allegedly part of a syndicate of 792 cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects apprehended on December 10, 2024, during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” in Lagos.
According to the EFCC, the defendants willfully engaged in activities that compromised the Nigerian economy and social stability. One of the charges read in court stated:
“That you, Liu Ke Fan (a.k.a. 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 accessed computer systems used for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offense 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 charge detailed an alleged case of identity fraud, accusing one of the defendants of impersonating a fictitious U.S. citizen named “Lina.”
“That you, Liu Ke Fan (a.k.a. Lina, Liu Chen), sometime in December 2024, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to gain advantage for yourself and your criminal syndicate group, specialized in romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and cyber-terrorism, fraudulently impersonated a 28-year-old Lina from the United States living in Germany. You used a fraudulent profile on your company-assigned Maya desktop computer, thereby committing an offense contrary to Section 22(2)(b) and punishable under Section 22(2)(iv) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.”
Another count accused Wang Gong Lin (a.k.a. Wang Jing Lin) of providing false information during the EFCC’s investigation:
“That you, Wang Gong Lin (a.k.a. Wang Jing Lin), sometime in January 2025 at Lagos, Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully gave false information to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course of an investigation when you were questioned for being part of a criminal syndicate specializing in romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and cyber-terrorism. To mislead them, you falsely represented your name as Wang Jing Lin, thereby committing an offense contrary to Section 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, and punishable under Section 39(2)(b) of the same Act.”
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their pleas, EFCC prosecution counsel M.K. Bashir urged the court to fix trial dates and order the defendants’ remand in a correctional facility.
In response, Justice Aneke adjourned the matter until February 21 and March 7, 2025, for trial, directing that the defendants be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
Speaking on the case, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale reiterated the agency’s commitment to fighting cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s financial system.
“The EFCC will continue to clamp down on all forms of financial crimes, including cyber-terrorism and online fraud. The arrest and arraignment of these individuals send a strong message that Nigeria will not be a safe haven for criminal enterprises,” he stated.
