Massive Crackdown: EFCC Arraigns 16 More Chinese Suspects in Multi-Billion Naira Fraud Case
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, arraigned 16 Chinese nationals before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, over allegations of cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and other financial crimes.
The defendants, identified as Hu Hui (a.k.a A Bin), Liao Ri Xing (a.k.a. Li Jun), Li Qiang (a.k.a. Yang Huan Huan), A Wen, Da Tou, Cheng Jian, Cong Bing, Fei Fan, Huxi Heng, Zheng Wei (a.k.a. A Hong), Huang Zhi, Zhang Lei, Sun Zhi Peng, Huang Jin Hui, Wù Hao, and Lu Qiang, were part of the 792 individuals arrested by EFCC operatives during the “Eagle Flush Operation” on December 10, 2024, in Lagos.
The suspects faced multiple charges, including cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, possession of fraudulent documents, advance fee fraud, and identity theft. According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly used computer systems to undermine Nigeria’s economy and social structure, violating Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.
One of the charges against Li Qiang reads: “That you, Li Qiang (a.k.a Yang Huan Huan) and Genting International Co. Ltd, sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, caused a computer system to be accessed for the purpose of destabilizing and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 18(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act 2015.”
Similarly, Hu Xi Heng was accused of the same offence alongside Genting International Co. Ltd.
All 16 defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when read to them. The prosecution counsel, Nnaemeka Omewa, subsequently requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the accused persons in a correctional facility.
Justice Osiagor adjourned the case to June 23, 2025, for trial and ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
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