The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned nine Chinese nationals and the company Genting International Co. Ltd. on Thursday, facing allegations of cyber terrorism and internet fraud.
The defendants, 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, pleaded not guilty to the charges when presented before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
According to the EFCC, the accused are part of a syndicate of 792 suspects arrested on December 10, 2024, in Lagos during a surprise operation, “Eagle Flush Operation,” conducted by EFCC operatives. These suspects are linked to alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud activities.
The charges include cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of false documents, and identity theft. Following their pleas, prosecution counsel M.K. Bashir requested trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in custody.
Justice Aneke adjourned the case to February 21 and March 7, 2025, for trial, and ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
This follows just two days after the EFCC arraigned 11 Chinese nationals for similar offenses at the same Federal High Court in Lagos.
