EFCC arraigns 42 foreigners, firm over 792 cryptocurrency, romance fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned 42 foreign nationals before separate Federal High Courts in Lagos for their involvement in an alleged 792 cryptocurrency and romance fraud scheme.

The accused foreign nationals include 29 Chinese, 10 Filipinos, one Malaysian, one Indonesian, and one Pakistani.

The suspects and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd., were arraigned before Justices Ayokunle Faji, D.I. Dipeolu, Alexander Owoeye, and C.J. Aneke, respectively, according to EFCC.

The anti-graft agency disclosed on X that “the suspects are members of the syndicate of 792 alleged cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud suspects arrested on December 19, 2024, in Lagos during a surprise operation tagged ‘Eagle Flush Operation.'”

“They were arraigned on separate charges bordering on alleged cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, impersonation, possession of documents containing false pretenses, and identity theft, among others,” EFCC added.

The defendants are: Zhang Hua Zhai; Chen Xin; Li Zhen Peng; Guo Long Long; Ren Jia Wen; Zhang Jian; Zhao Ying Bin; Yu Zi (a.k.a. Wei Xue Huan); Zhang Yang; Wang Zhi Chenge; Cherry De Leon (a.k.a. Yeah De Leon); Khurram Shanzad; Fernand Fu Fang (a.k.a. Kim); Tan Soon Kar; Rex Jose Dilag (a.k.a. Madison); Jamal Polea; Kamilu Jayne Gonzalez (a.k.a. Jam Galanza); Hannah Jaramillo (a.k.a. Max Deleon); Danica Manulit (a.k.a. Dan Ruiz); Vera Dela Cris (a.k.a. Nina Vera Gonzal); Joey Gracia; Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (a.k.a. Veb Sumayo); and Tricia Jenylyn Castro (a.k.a. T.J. Castrol).

Others are: An Hongxu; Shitou Shizilong; Pan Jiong; Wanq Jia Qi; Huang Xiao Liang; Guo Giang; Wen Zong Xu; Zhon Kun Li; Huang Ren Jian; Li Jin; Deng Wen Qiang; Lu Yi Liang; Pan Cai Yu; Peng Li Jain (a.k.a. Han Li Jaun); He Kun; Zhao Jin Rong; Lin Hao Bo; Chen Fusheng; and Xiang Bing.

One of the counts read: “That you, ZHANG HUA ZHAI and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, on or about the 18th of December 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize the constitutional structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for yourselves, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”

Another count read: “That you, VIERA DELA CRUZ (A.K.A. NINA VIERA GONZAL) & GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LTD., sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, willfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organized to seriously destabilize the constitutional structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber-related crimes) when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain a financial advantage for yourselves, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”

Another count read: “That you, Shitou Shizilong and Genting International Co. Limited, on or about the 11th of December 2024 at No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, willfully caused to be accessed a computer system that was organized to seriously destabilize the economic and social structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by procuring and employing several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer-related fraud, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention, Etc.) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2015 (As Amended).”

Another count reads: “That you, PENG LI JAUN A.K.A HAN LI JAUN and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, sometime in December, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, wilfully caused to be accessed, computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when you procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for yourselves and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024).”

They each pleaded not guilty to the offences when they were read to them.

In view of their pleas, prosecution counsel, L.P. Aso, M.K. Bashir, N. K. Ukoha, T.J. Banjo, M. S. Owede, B.B. Buhari, C.C.Okezie, H.U. Kofarnaisa and Z.B.Atiku, respectively prayed the court for trial dates and for the defendants to be remanded in the appropriate correctional centres.

Justice Faji adjourned the matter till February 10, 11, 17, 18, 19 and 2025.

Justice Dipeolu adjourned the matter till February 7, 15, 21, 24 and 28, 2025; Justice Owoeye adjourned the matter till February 20, 21, 24, 28 and March 18, 2025; and Justice Aneke adjourned the matter till March 7, 2025, for trial and remanded the defendants at both Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres.