The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 11 Chinese nationals, one Filipino, and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, over allegations of cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud.
The suspects appeared before Justice D.I. Dipeolu at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, 31st January 2025.
The accused individuals are: Wang Zheng Ming, Li Yin Hui, Xian Hong Will, Zhang Xiao Lei, Long Zhao Ming, Guo Xiao Fei, Yang Sheng, Wang Zheng Feng, Chen Wenyuan, Liu San Hua, Luo Jia You, and Rheign Dela Vega (Filipino).
They were among the 792 suspects arrested on 19th December 2024 in Lagos during the EFCC’s surprise operation, “Eagle Flush Operation.”
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The defendants face multiple charges, including:
- Cybercrimes and cyber-terrorism
- Identity theft
- Possession of fraudulent documents
- Providing false information to EFCC operatives
Details of the Offences
One of the charges states that:
“Li Yin Hui and Genting International Co. Ltd, on or about 18th December 2024 in Lagos, willfully accessed computer systems to seriously destabilise the constitutional structure of Nigeria by engaging Nigerian youths in identity theft. The act aimed at financial gain violates Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”
Another charge accuses Luo Jia You, also known as A. You, of providing false information to EFCC officers during the investigation, falsely claiming a different identity to mislead investigators. This act contravenes Section 39(2) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.
Similarly, Long Shao Ming, a.k.a. Ling Yang, allegedly posed as “Linda Maureen,” a U.S. citizen, for fraudulent purposes.
He was found in possession of false documents, violating Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel L.P. Aso, M.K. Bashir, T.J. Banjo, N.K. Ukoha, and B. Buhari-Bala requested the court to fix trial dates and remand the suspects in correctional facilities.
Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to 7th, 14th, and 21st February 2025 for trial. The accused were ordered to be remanded at Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres.
