EFCC Arrests 11 Chinese Nationals for Cyber Fraud, Terrorism in Lagos

EFCC Arrests 11 Chinese Nationals for Cyber Fraud, Terrorism in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested and arraigned 11 Chinese nationals accused of involvement in cyber fraud and terrorism. The defendants were charged with various offenses, including cybercrimes, identity theft, and the possession of fraudulent documents.

The accused individuals were arrested during a raid dubbed “Eagle Flush Operation,” carried out by EFCC operatives on December 19, 2024, in Lagos. According to the EFCC, the raid followed months of investigation into a network of international criminals operating from Nigeria.

The Court Proceedings

On February 5, 2025, the 11 Chinese nationals were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

The defendants, whose names include Wang Xiong Wei (alias Xiao Bai), Chen Dong Dong (alias Cun Zhao), and Wu Yuan An (alias Zeng Niu), pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The case took a significant turn after the EFCC revealed that the accused were involved in a variety of cyber-related crimes, including romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and cyber terrorism. They were alleged to have been operating a complex international fraud network, with their criminal activities impacting both Nigerian citizens and foreign nationals.

Romance Scams and Cryptocurrency Fraud

In one of the most serious allegations, Liu Ke Fan, one of the defendants, was accused of impersonating a 28-year-old American woman named Lina, who supposedly lived in Germany. This scam allegedly formed part of a broader romance scam operation that targeted unsuspecting individuals. The fraudsters posed as potential romantic partners online to lure victims into sending large sums of money.

Furthermore, the EFCC stated that Liu Ke Fan also engaged in cryptocurrency fraud, manipulating the digital currency market to deceive investors. During the investigation, the defendant allegedly misled authorities by presenting false information, claiming to be Liu Chen in an effort to cover his tracks and divert attention from his criminal activities.

International Crime Syndicates Targeting Nigeria

The arrest of these Chinese nationals comes just a day after the EFCC arraigned 42 individuals, including Chinese and Filipino nationals, for similar cyber-related offenses. These operations are part of an ongoing effort by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on cybercrime and prevent the proliferation of international fraud syndicates operating within the country.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, who presided over the case, ordered that the accused be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos while the legal proceedings continue.

The case has sparked renewed concerns about the growing involvement of foreign nationals in cybercrimes in Nigeria, which has become a hotbed for international fraud operations. The EFCC’s proactive response underscores the country’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and its international dimensions.

Tackling Cybercrime in Nigeria

As Nigeria grapples with the rise of online fraud and cyber terrorism, the EFCC’s latest arrests and prosecutions highlight the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and stronger international cooperation to combat transnational criminal networks. With cybercrime becoming increasingly sophisticated, authorities are stepping up efforts to investigate and prosecute offenders, ensuring that those involved in such fraudulent activities face the full weight of the law.