Court Remands 13 Chinese Nationals Over Alleged Cybercrime, Security Breach

Ikeja, Lagos State – A Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded 13 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Limited, over allegations of cybercrime, impersonation, and an attempt to undermine Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

Justice Denide Dipeolu issued the remand order on Friday after the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The accused include Wang Zheng Ming, Li Yin Hui, Xiao Hong Will, Wang Jia Qi (a.k.a. Xiao Tian), Long Shao Ming (a.k.a. You), Zhang Xiao Lei, Liu San Hua, Chen Wenyuan (a.k.a. Lee05mx20), Yang Sheng (Madison), Rheeigh De La Vega (a.k.a. Rheignalyn), and Guo Xiao Fei. They were arrested on December 10, 2024, at No. 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following an EFCC raid based on credible intelligence.

The EFCC’s legal team, led by Director of Legal Aso Peters, filed charges under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).

The prosecution alleges that Liu San Hua specifically facilitated identity theft by recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals for financial fraud.

After their arraignment, all defendants pleaded not guilty, except for Wang Zheng Ming, who rejected the EFCC-appointed lawyer and requested time to hire his own legal representation.

Justice Dipeolu scheduled the trial for February 3, 14, and 21, 2025.

He ordered that the two female defendants be remanded at Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre, while the others would be held at Ikoyi Correctional Centre until trial proceedings commence.

The charges against several individuals include using fake identities online to defraud victims, training employees at Genting International Co. Limited in fraudulent activities, and committing other offences under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the charges involve serious crimes that threaten Nigeria’s security and financial stability through cybercrime and fraud.

Liu San Hua and Genting International Co. Limited are accused of facilitating identity theft by hiring Nigerian youths to pose as foreign nationals, which violates Section 18 of the Cybercrimes Act.

Zhang Xiao Lei and Genting International Co. Limited face accusations of using computer systems to carry out cybercrimes aimed at destabilising Nigeria’s constitutional order.

In December 2024, Wang Zheng Feng, also known as A. Feng, allegedly accessed computer systems to harm Nigeria’s economy and social structure.

He reportedly used Nigerian youths for identity theft, posing as foreign nationals to gain financial advantage, an offence violating both the Cybercrimes Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Luo Jia You, also known as You, was charged with providing false information to EFCC investigators to conceal his involvement in a syndicate responsible for romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and cyber terrorism.

He allegedly misrepresented his name as A. You, an offence punishable under Section 39(2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.

The EFCC further stated that, in December 2024, Guo Xiao Fei fraudulently impersonated a French national named Alani in order to gain financial advantage for his employer.

He presented himself as Alani to one Mr. Montalito, violating Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015.

Guo was also accused of possessing documents used for false pretences, including romance scam templates and chat records in which he falsely presented himself as a U.S. citizen. This offence violated several sections of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

The EFCC emphasised that the defendants’ activities posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s security and financial system.

However, after their arraignment, the court adjourned the case until 3 February 2025 for trial.