Lagos Court Hands Down 46-Year Sentences to Chinese Nationals in Cybercrime Case
A Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, to 46 years’ imprisonment each for cyber-terrorism and fraud totaling N3.4 billion and $2.5 million. The conviction, delivered by Justice Daniel Osiagor on Wednesday, marks a significant development in Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime.
The ‘Eagle Flush’ Operation and the Syndicate
The two convicts were part of a larger syndicate of 792 individuals arrested on December 19, 2024, during an operation dubbed ‘Eagle Flush’ by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The group was implicated in cryptocurrency, investment, and romance fraud schemes. The arrests followed a surprise operation conducted by EFCC operatives in Lagos.
Plea Bargain and Sentencing
Initially pleading “not guilty,” Haoyu and Hongxu later changed their pleas to “guilty” during Wednesday’s proceedings. Justice Osiagor subsequently imposed a cumulative 46-year sentence on each defendant. They were also given the option of a N56 million fine. The court ordered them to undertake three days of community service and be repatriated to their home country after completing their sentences.
The Role of Genting International Co. Ltd. And Friday Audu
The Chinese nationals were arraigned alongside Friday Audu and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd. Investigations revealed that Audu incorporated Genting International Co. Ltd. At the direction of Huang to facilitate the fraudulent scheme. Audu, who maintained his plea of not guilty, has had his case adjourned until April 29 for continuation of trial and was granted bail for N50 million with two sureties.
Charges and Allegations
The charges against the defendants included cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and money laundering. The EFCC alleged that the syndicate conspired to access computer systems in a manner that could destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structures. They were accused of recruiting Nigerian youths to pose as foreign nationals online to defraud victims through cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud. The alleged fraudulent activities involved N3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203.
Forfeiture of Assets
The court ordered the forfeiture of items recovered from four properties located in Victoria Island and Ikoyi. These included 1,596 mobile phones, 43 computer systems, 194 routers, a network server, thousands of SIM cards, and various household items and vehicles.
The Growing Threat of Cybercrime in Nigeria
This case highlights the increasing prevalence of cybercrime, particularly involving international syndicates, in Nigeria. The scale of the ‘Eagle Flush’ operation, involving 792 suspects, underscores the magnitude of the problem. The use of cryptocurrency and online investment schemes as tools for fraud is a growing concern for law enforcement agencies.
What are the penalties for cybercrime in Nigeria?
Penalties for cybercrime in Nigeria vary depending on the offense. The Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024), and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, outline various offenses and corresponding punishments, including imprisonment and financial penalties.
How does the EFCC combat cybercrime?
The EFCC employs various strategies to combat cybercrime, including intelligence gathering, targeted operations like ‘Eagle Flush,’ collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, and prosecution of offenders. They also focus on public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about cybercrime risks.
What is the role of cryptocurrency in cybercrime?
Cryptocurrency is often used in cybercrime due to its anonymity and ease of transfer across borders. Fraudsters use it to launder money and evade detection by law enforcement. The use of cryptocurrency in these schemes makes tracing funds and identifying perpetrators more challenging.
Did you know? Nigeria has grow a significant hub for cybercrime, attracting the attention of international law enforcement agencies. The country’s large youth population and high unemployment rate contribute to the problem.
Pro Tip: Be cautious of online investment opportunities that promise high returns with little risk. Always verify the legitimacy of any investment before committing funds.
Explore more articles on the EFCC website to learn about ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes in Nigeria.
