Trial Begins for 42 Foreign Nationals in Nigeria Over Cyber Fraud Charges
The trial of 42 foreign nationals has begun in Nigeria for alleged cyber fraud. Among them are 29 Chinese and 10 Filipinos, accused of participating in scams such as cryptocurrency fraud and identity theft. The defendants face multiple charges and have been detained in correctional facilities pending trial.
A Federal High Court in Lagos has initiated the trial of 42 foreign nationals, including 29 Chinese and 10 Filipinos, for alleged cyber fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the suspects on February 3, 2025, following their capture in the ‘Eagle Flush Operation’ conducted on December 19, 2024. Officials claim that the defendants included individuals from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Pakistan, alongside the company Genting International Co. Ltd.
The case revolves around a substantial international effort to combat cyber fraud schemes, including cryptocurrency scams, romance scams, and identity theft. The EFCC asserts that these foreign nationals accessed Nigerian computer systems with the intent to harm the country’s economic structure. They also allegedly recruited local youths for identity theft, enabling global fraud.
All defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges of cyber-terrorism, impersonation, and possessing fraudulent documents. They have been remanded to Ikoyi and Kirikiri Correctional Centres while awaiting further hearings. Trial proceedings are scheduled throughout February and March 2025.
Original Source: businessday.ng
