EFCC Arraigns More Chinese, Filipino Nationals for Alleged Cybercrime
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned several foreign nationals, including Chinese and Filipino citizens, before the Federal High Court in Lagos for their involvement in cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents.
The foreign nationals were arraigned before four separate judges: Justice Olayinka Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye. The accused included 10 individuals arraigned before Justice Faji, six before Justice Aneke, and 16 before Justice Dipeolu, with the majority being Chinese nationals. Justice Owoeye handled the arraignment of 13 Filipino nationals.
The defendants, including notable individuals such as Cherry De Leon, Khurram Shanzad, and Tan Soon Kar, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court remanded them in correctional facilities pending the resolution of their bail applications. The accused are alleged to have secretly recruited Nigerian youths for identity theft and other fraudulent online activities, targeting victims both in Nigeria and abroad.
The charges against the defendants include violations of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024, specifically under Sections 18 and 27, which pertain to the use of computers for fraud and cyber-related offenses.
The case stems from a major EFCC operation conducted on December 10, 2024, at a hideout on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where the syndicate was reportedly operating. The EFCC accused the defendants of destabilizing Nigeria’s economic structure by involving Nigerian youths in identity theft, cyber-terrorism, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud. Additionally, the defendants were said to have provided false information during the EFCC’s investigation.
The trial for these cases is set to begin on February 7, 2025, with further hearings scheduled throughout February and March. The EFCC has made it clear that these actions are part of its broader efforts to clamp down on international cybercrime syndicates operating in Nigeria.