Nine Chinese Nationals Jailed for Cyberterrorism, Internet Fraud in Lagos

Nine Chinese nationals have been convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment each by a Federal High Court in Lagos for their involvement in large-scale cyberterrorism and internet fraud. The convictions were secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had previously arrested the individuals as part of a major crackdown on an international cybercrime syndicate operating from Lagos.

The convicts are LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng. They were among a larger group of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects apprehended during a sting operation dubbed “Operation Eagle Flush” in December.

The charges against them, which included cyberterrorism and internet fraud, accused them of illicitly accessing computer systems with the intent to destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structures. The EFCC presented evidence suggesting that the syndicate was primarily led by Chinese nationals who recruited and trained Nigerian youths to engage in various online scams, including dating, romance, and investment fraud. These activities aimed to defraud individuals and institutions globally using advanced technology and social engineering techniques.

Initially, the defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, during a subsequent court sitting before Justice D. E. Osiagor, they changed their plea to “guilty.” In light of their guilty pleas, the court convicted and sentenced each of the nine Chinese nationals to one year imprisonment. Each convict was also ordered to pay a fine of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira).

Justice Osiagor further ordered that upon completion of their prison sentences, the Comptroller General of Immigration should ensure their repatriation to China within seven days. Additionally, mobile phones, computers, laptops, and routers seized from them at the time of their arrest were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The EFCC stated that this action underscores its relentless commitment to combating cybercrime and ensuring that perpetrators, regardless of nationality, are brought to justice.