The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally arraigned 29 Chinese nationals, 10 Filipinos, one Malaysian, one Indonesian, and one Pakistani before separate Federal High Courts sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The suspects are facing charges related to alleged internet fraud, money laundering, and cybercrime offenses.
The arrests followed an intensive investigation by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the EFCC, which uncovered a sophisticated transnational cybercrime network operating within Nigeria. According to the anti-graft agency, the accused individuals were involved in large-scale internet fraud activities, including phishing schemes, identity theft, wire fraud, and other cyber-enabled financial crimes.
The EFCC’s intelligence-led operation targeted locations in Lagos suspected to be hubs for fraudulent activities, leading to the arrest of the 42 foreign nationals. The agency stated that the suspects used advanced technology and various deceptive tactics to defraud unsuspecting victims across different countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.
The defendants appeared before multiple Federal High Courts in Lagos, where they faced a series of charges under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act. The charges against them include:
- Internet fraud – Engaging in cyber activities designed to defraud individuals and businesses.
- Identity theft – Illegally obtaining and using personal information for fraudulent purposes.
- Money laundering – Moving illicit funds through various channels to obscure their origin.
- Conspiracy to commit fraud – Collaborating with others to carry out criminal activities.
During the court proceedings, EFCC prosecutors detailed how the suspects allegedly created fake investment platforms, fraudulent e-commerce websites, and impersonated legitimate businesses to scam victims out of millions of dollars.
The arrest and prosecution of these foreign nationals have drawn international attention, with diplomatic representatives from China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan closely monitoring the case. The Nigerian government has assured the international community that due process will be followed while emphasizing the country’s commitment to tackling cybercrime and ensuring justice.
A spokesperson for the EFCC stated, “This operation is part of our intensified efforts to rid Nigeria of cybercriminals, both local and foreign. We are working with international partners to dismantle networks that engage in fraudulent activities and tarnish Nigeria’s image globally.”
The suspects have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the courts have adjourned hearings to allow both the prosecution and defense teams to prepare their cases. If convicted, they face significant penalties, including long-term imprisonment, heavy fines, and the forfeiture of assets linked to their criminal activities.
Legal experts suggest that the case could set a precedent for how Nigeria handles cybercrime cases involving foreign nationals. The EFCC has vowed to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure that all guilty parties are held accountable.
Nigeria has been strengthening its legal and regulatory frameworks to combat financial crimes, particularly cyber fraud, which has become a global concern. The EFCC, in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies such as Interpol, the FBI, and Europol, continues to track and dismantle networks involved in online scams, business email compromise (BEC) fraud, and cryptocurrency-related crimes.
The agency has urged Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant against cybercriminals, warning that anyone caught engaging in fraudulent activities will face the full weight of the law.
The courts have scheduled further hearings in the coming weeks, during which the EFCC is expected to present detailed evidence, including digital forensic reports, financial transaction records, and witness testimonies. The defendants remain in custody pending the outcome of their trials.
This high-profile case underscores Nigeria’s commitment to fighting cybercrime and sending a strong message that the country will not be a safe haven for internet fraudsters, irrespective of their nationality.
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