The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 11 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents, among other charges. The case is being presided over by Justice C. Aneke. The defendants include Liu Ke Fan, Huang Hai Tao, Zhang Kian Feng, Wua Wang, and Xiao Xin, along with Wang Hong Lin, Wu Yong An (also known as 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).
The accused are allegedly part of a syndicate of 792 individuals arrested during the EFCC’s "Eagle Flush Operation" on December 10, 2024, in Lagos. The operation targeted a network suspected of cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.
Each of the defendants faced separate charges related to cybercrimes and identity fraud. When the charges were read, they all pleaded not guilty.
Following their pleas, EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, M. Bashir, requested trial dates and asked the court to remand the defendants in prison custody.
Justice Aneke scheduled the trial for February 21 and March 7, 2025, and ordered that the defendants be held at Ikoyi Prison in Lagos until then.
