EFCC Arraigns 29 Chinese Nationals Over Alleged Internet Fraud in Lagos

Internet Fraud Charges in Lagos: EFCC Targets 29 Chinese and 10 Filipinos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 29 Chinese nationals, 10 Filipinos, and three others before various Federal High Courts in Lagos on charges related to cybercrimes, including cyber-terrorism, impersonation, possession of fraudulent documents, and identity theft.

These individuals are part of a larger group of 792 suspects apprehended on December 19, 2024, during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” in Lagos. The operation targeted a syndicate involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance scams.

The defendants were arraigned alongside a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., before Justices Ayokunle Faji, D.I. Dipeolu, Alexander Owoeye, and C.J. Aneke. The EFCC alleges that the accused employed Nigerian youths for identity theft, instructing them to impersonate foreign nationals to defraud victims.

The EFCC’s investigation revealed that the syndicate operated a call center in Lagos, primarily targeting individuals from the Americas and Europe through social media platforms. Victims were lured with promises of romantic relationships or lucrative cryptocurrency investments, ultimately leading them to transfer funds into fraudulent schemes.

The EFCC is collaborating with international partners to further investigate potential links to organized crime and to ensure that those involved are brought to justice.