EFCC charges Chinese, Filipino nationals for cybercrime in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a group of foreign nationals, including Chinese and Filipino individuals, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on charges related to cybercrimes, cyber-terrorism, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents.  

The suspects were separately brought before four justices: Justice Olayinka Faji, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Justice Deinde Dipeolu, and Justice Alexander Owoeye.

Reports indicate that 10 foreigners appeared before Justice Faji, 6 before Justice Aneke, and 16 mostly Chinese nationals before Justice Dipeolu. Additionally, 13 Filipino nationals were arraigned before Justice Owoeye.

All defendants pleaded not guilty upon arraignment. The court subsequently ordered their remand in correctional facilities pending the hearing and determination of their bail applications.

In the charge against them, the defendants were accused of secretly procuring and employing several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer related fraud.

The offences are punishable under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

Some of the defendants who were arraigned before the courts are Cherry De Leon (A.K.A Yesh De Leon), Khurram Shanzad, Fernad Fu Fang (A.K.A Kim), Tan Soon Kar, Rex Jose Dilag (A.K.A Madison), Jamal Polea, Jamilyn Jaynee Gonzalez (A.K.A Jam Galanza) and Hannah Jaramillo (A.K.A Max De Leon).

Others Lin Haobo, An Hongxu (a.k.a Ruike), Shitou Shizilong, Pan Jiong, Zhow Kunji, Huang Xiao Liang (a.k.a Liu Xiao Liang), Peng Sen Lin (a.k.a Peng Song Lin, Pen Sen Ling, Dong Fang Hong, Huang Ren Jan, Shi Yang Xiong, Lu Yi Liang, Guo Giang (a.k.a Lisa), Wen Zong Xu, Pan Cai Yu, and Guo Zhi Yong.

Other defendants are Danica Manulit (A.K.A. Dan Ruiz), Vera Dela Cris (A.K.A. Nina Vera Gonzal), Joey Gracia, Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (A.K.A. Sumayo), and Tricia Jenylyn Castro (Alias T. J. Castro).

Trial in the cases have been adjourned to various dates in February and March with the earliest trial expected to commence February 7, 2025.

The defendants were among a group of suspected fraudsters apprehended on December 10, 2024, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at their hideout on No. 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following credible intelligence gathered by the EFCC.

The EFCC specifically told the court that the defendants, willfully caused to be accessed computer systems organised to seriously destabilise the economic structure of Nigeria (which prohibits and prevents cyber and related crimes) when they procured/employed Nigerian youths for identity theft and to hold themselves (Nigerians) out as persons of foreign nationality, with the intent to gain financial advantage for themselves.

The Commission also told the court that sometime in December 2024 in Lagos, the defendants willfully gave false information to officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in the course of investigation when they were being questioned for being part of a criminal syndicate group, specialized in romance scam, cryptocurrency fraud, cyber terrorism amongst others.

According to EFCC, the offence committed is contrary to Section 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act, 2015 (As Amended,2024), 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 39(2) (b) of the same Act.