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, before Justice D.I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defendants, who are members of a syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects, were arrested on December 19, 2024, in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” by EFCC operatives.
They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of documents containing false pretence, and identity theft, among others.
Some of the charges include:
– Cybercrime and Identity Theft*: Li Yin Hui and Genting International Co. Ltd were accused of willfully causing computer systems to be accessed to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional structure and gain financial advantage.
– False Information*: Luo Jia You (aka A. You) was accused of willfully giving false information to EFCC officers during an investigation.
– Possession of False Documents*: Long Shao Ming (aka Ling Yang) was accused of possessing documents containing false pretence, wherein he held himself out as “Linda Maureen,” a citizen of the United States.
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the offences, and the prosecution counsel prayed the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in correctional facilities. Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter till February 7, 14, and 21, 2025, for trial and remanded the defendants at the Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres.
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