The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, alongside Nigerian citizen Audu Friday, over alleged cyber -terrorism, computer fraud, and money laundering.
Appearing before Justice Daniel Osiagor in Lagos, the trio faces 11 charges tied to N3.4 billion and $2.56 million in illicit funds.
According to prosecutors, the defendants operated within a 792-member syndicate arrested during “Eagle Flush Operation,” a December 2024 crackdown targeting cryptocurrency scams and romance fraud networks.
Investigators revealed Audu Friday established Genting International Co. Ltd. under Huang Haoyu’s direction, allegedly using the firm to destabilize Nigeria’s economy through coordinated cyberattacks.
Furthermore, the EFCC accused the group of recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals, exploiting computer systems for financial gain. This violates Section 27 of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, carrying severe penalties under Section 18. Meanwhile, prosecutors highlighted N3.4 billion traced to Genting International’s Union Bank account, funds purportedly retained despite knowing their illegal origins.
All defendants pleaded not guilty during arraignment. Prosecution counsel Bilkisu Buhari swiftly requested an expedited trial and temporary remand in EFCC custody. Defense lawyer Emeka Okonkwo, SAN, countered by urging the court to retain custody pending formal bail hearings.
Justice Osiagor granted the remand request, adjourning the case for bail deliberations. The trial underscores Nigeria’s intensifying battle against transnational cyber -crime, particularly schemes exploiting vulnerable youth populations. Additionally, it highlights growing scrutiny of foreign-national involvement in local financial crimes.
Authorities allege the syndicate’s activities eroded public trust in digital systems while siphoning resources critical to national development. Critics argue such cases expose systemic gaps in corporate oversight, enabling shell companies to mask illicit transactions. Conversely, the EFCC’s proactive arrests signal renewed commitment to enforcing anti-money laundering laws.
As cybercrime evolves, this trial may set precedents for prosecuting cross-border digital fraud.
Observers note the inclusion of foreign nationals amplifies diplomatic stakes, testing Nigeria’s legal collaboration with international partners. For affected communities, the case reignites debates over youth unemployment’s role in fueling criminal recruitment.
Ultimately, the outcome could reshape Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, balancing punitive measures with preventive policies. With public frustration mounting over economic instability, the government faces pressure to demonstrate tangible progress in safeguarding financial systems. Meanwhile, civil society groups emphasize rehabilitation programs to deter at-risk populations from cyber -crime pipelines.
The EFCC’s focus on high-profile prosecutions reflects a strategic shift toward deterrence, yet systemic challenges persist. As the trial progresses, its implications for national security, foreign investment, and youth empowerment will remain under scrutiny.
For now, justice hangs in the balance, with millions awaiting accountability in a case emblematic of Nigeria’s complex fight against modern financial crime.