The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday convicted and sentenced two Chinese nationals, Huang Xiao Liang (also known as Liu Xiao Liang) and Shi Yang Xiong, for offences related to cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu. The two were among 792 suspects arrested in December 2024 during a coordinated sting operation by the EFCC, codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation,” targeting cryptocurrency investment and romance scam syndicates in Lagos.

Huang and Shi were arraigned on separate charges, which included conspiracy to defraud, unlawful access to computer systems, and activities aimed at destabilising the Nigerian economy.

One of the charges against Huang read: “That you, HUANG XIAO LIANG (a.k.a LIU XIAO LIANG) and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. Ltd., sometime in December, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst yourselves, caused to be accessed a computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under Section 27 (1) (b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition & Prevention) Act 2015.”

Initially, both defendants pleaded not guilty. However, during Monday’s proceedings, they changed their pleas to guilty.

Following the change in plea, the prosecuting counsel, U.S. Kyari, urged the court to convict the defendants in accordance with the law.

Justice Dipeolu thereafter sentenced each of the defendants to one year in prison and imposed a fine of ₦1,000,000.00. The court also ordered that all items recovered from them be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Furthermore, the Judge directed the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure the repatriation of the convicts to China within seven days of completing their jail terms.