EFCC Arraigns 29 Chinese, 10 Filipinos, Three Others In Lagos Court For Alleged Fraud
The accused foreign nationals are part of a group of 792 individuals arrested by the anti-graft agency during operation “Eagle Flush” on December 19, 2024, in Lagos, targeting suspects involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos State Zonal Directorate, on Monday arraigned 29 Chinese nationals, 10 Filipinos, one Malaysian, one Indonesian, and one Pakistani before separate Federal High Courts in Ikoyi, Lagos for alleged internet fraud.
The suspects were arraigned alongside the company Genting International Co. Ltd. before Justices Ayokunle Faji, D.I. Dipeolu, Alexander Owoeye, and C.J. Aneke.
The accused foreign nationals are part of a group of 792 individuals arrested by the anti-graft agency during operation “Eagle Flush” on December 19, 2024, in Lagos, targeting suspects involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud.
The charges against the suspects include cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents, and identity theft, among others.
The defendants include: Zhang Hua Zhai, Chen Xin, Li Zhen Peng, Guo Long Long, Ren Jia Wen, Zhang Jian, Zhao Ying Bin, Yu Zi (a.k.a. Wei Xue Huan), Zhang Yang, Wang Zhi Chenge, Cherry De Leon (a.k.a. Yeah De Leon), Khurram Shanzad, Fernand Fu Fang (a.k.a. Kim), Tan Soon Kar, Rex Jose Dilag (a.k.a. Madison), Jamal Polea, Kamilu Jayne Gongzalez (a.k.a. Jam Galanza), Hannah Jaramillo (a.k.a. Max Deleon), Danica Manulit (a.k.a. Dan Ruiz), Vera Dela Cris (a.k.a. Nina Vera Gonzal), Joey Gracia, Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (a.k.a. Veb Sumayo), Tricia Jenylyn Castro (a.k.a. T.J. Castrol), and others.
One of the charges reads, “That you, Zhang Hua Zhai and Genting International Co. Limited, on or about December 18, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, willfully caused to be accessed computer systems designed to destabilize the constitutional structure of Nigeria by recruiting Nigerian youths for identity theft and impersonation of foreign nationals to gain financial advantage, in violation of Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”
Another charge read, “That you, Viera Dela Cruz (a.k.a. Nina Vera Gonzal) and Genting International Co. Ltd., sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, willfully caused to be accessed computer systems organized to destabilize Nigeria’s structure by recruiting Nigerian youths for identity theft and impersonating foreign nationals, in violation of Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As amended, 2024).”
Similarly, Shitou Shizilong and Genting International Co. Limited were accused of using Nigerian youths for identity theft and fraud, destabilizing Nigeria’s economic and social structure, in violation of the same law.
However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting prosecution counsel L.P. Aso, M.K. Bashir, N.K. Ukoha, T.J. Banjo, M.S. Owede, B.B. Buhari, C.C. Okezie, H.U. Kofarnaisa, and Z.B. Atiku requested trial dates and asked that the defendants be remanded in correctional facilities.
Justice Faji adjourned the matter until February 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, 2025, while Justice Dipeolu adjourned until February 7, 15, 21, 24, and 28, 2025.
Also, Justice Owoeye scheduled hearings for February 20, 21, 24, 28, and March 18, 2025; and Justice Aneke adjourned the case until March 7, 2025.
The defendants were remanded at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres.
