The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, February 21, 2025, arraigned 17 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before Justices Musa Kakaki and Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The accused individuals—Mao Bu Yi, Li Xiang Long, Dai Li, Yu Hai Qing, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi, Hao Tao Kun, Liu Chuang, Zhao Xiao Liang, Ziao Zi Cheng, Zhang San Feng, Li Zhong Chan, Chen Gui Ping, Su Jan Fu, Su Zong Gen, Wang Jie, and Zeng Zerong—faced multiple charges related to cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, possession of fraudulent documents, and identity theft.
These suspects were among the 792-member syndicate arrested on December 10, 2024, in an EFCC sting operation codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation.” The operation targeted large-scale cybercrime rings specializing in cryptocurrency investment fraud and romance scams.
Charges of Cyber-terrorism and Fraudulent Activities
The EFCC’s charges against the defendants revolve around the alleged deliberate hacking of computer systems to destabilize Nigeria’s economy and social structure. The charges highlight their suspected involvement in employing Nigerian youths for cyber fraud schemes.
One of the charges against Mao Bu Yi states:
“That you, Mao Bu Yi and Genting International Co. Limited, sometime in December 2024, at Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused to be accessed a computer system for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).”
Similarly, Wang Jie, also known as Xu Zhong Xiang, was charged with:
“That you, Wang Jie (a.k.a. Xu Zhong Xiang) and Genting International Co. Limited, sometime between November 29, 2024, and December 10, 2024, at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, willfully accessed computer systems organized to destabilize the social and economic structure of Nigeria, secretly procuring and employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and cyber fraud, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2015 (as amended).”
Not Guilty Pleas and Courtroom Proceedings
During their arraignment, all 17 defendants pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges filed against them. The prosecution, led by EFCC counsels M.S. Owede, T.J. Banjo, A.C. Olowonihi, and N.C. Mutfwang, requested immediate trial dates and urged the court to remand the accused in appropriate correctional facilities.
Justice Musa Kakaki, who presided over the cases of Wang Jie and Zeng Zerong, scheduled the trial for March 20, 2025. Meanwhile, Justice Daniel Osiagor, overseeing the cases of the other 15 defendants, set their trial date for June 11, 2025. The judges ordered that all suspects be remanded in correctional centers pending their trial dates.
Eagle Flush Operation”: The Crackdown on Cybercrime Rings
The Eagle Flush Operation, which led to the arrest of the 17 suspects, was one of EFCC’s largest cybercrime crackdowns in recent years. The sting operation targeted foreign-led cyber syndicates operating in Nigeria, with special focus on cryptocurrency scams, romance fraud, and identity theft.
According to EFCC sources, the syndicate operated under Genting International Co. Ltd, a company allegedly used to facilitate fraudulent transactions. Investigators revealed that the suspects lured unsuspecting victims through fake cryptocurrency investment platforms and online romance scams, defrauding individuals and organizations of millions of dollars.
The EFCC also disclosed that the suspects employed several Nigerian youths as operatives in their cyber-fraud network. These recruits were allegedly trained in identity theft, hacking, and social engineering tactics to execute large-scale financial crimes.
Legal Implications and EFCC’s Continued War on Cybercrime
The charges against the suspects fall under Nigeria’s Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), which prescribes severe penalties for cyber-terrorism, identity theft, and fraudulent activities involving digital transactions.
If convicted, the defendants face lengthy prison terms, asset forfeiture, and potential deportation after serving their sentences. Legal analysts suggest that this case could set a major precedent in Nigeria’s fight against international cybercrime networks.
The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to combating cyber fraud and has vowed to continue cracking down on foreign and local syndicates involved in economic sabotage. The commission has urged the public to remain vigilant against online fraud and report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
With the upcoming trial dates, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court to see how this high-profile case unfolds.
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