EFCC Arraigns Three for N3.4bn, $2.56m Cyber-Terrorism, Money Laundering

• The EFCC arraigned two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian for alleged cyber-terrorism and money laundering involving N3.4 billion and $2.56 million.
• The suspects were arrested in Lagos during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” targeting cryptocurrency investment and romance fraud.
• The court remanded the defendants in EFCC custody pending the hearing of their bail application.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, along with a Nigerian, Audu Friday, before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the trio is facing an 11-count charge bordering on cyber-terrorism, computer-related offenses, and money laundering involving N3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203.

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The defendants were arrested during the “Eagle Flush Operation” on December 19, 2024, in Lagos. They are alleged to be part of a cybercrime syndicate of 792 individuals engaged in cryptocurrency fraud and romance scams.

Investigations revealed that Friday incorporated Genting International Co. Ltd. under Haoyu’s instructions to facilitate illicit transactions. The charges against them include conspiracy to manipulate computer systems to destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structures, as well as the retention of proceeds from fraudulent activities in a Union Bank account.

During the court proceedings, all three defendants pleaded not guilty. The EFCC’s prosecution counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, requested a swift trial and the continued detention of the accused.

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Defense counsel pleaded for their remand in EFCC custody pending a bail hearing. Justice Osiagor ordered their remand in EFCC custody and adjourned the case for the hearing of the bail application.

This case highlights the EFCC’s ongoing crackdown on cybercrime and financial fraud in Nigeria.

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