The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun prosecuting individuals linked to a large-scale cybercrime syndicate nearly two months after announcing the arrest of 792 suspects.
On Friday, 13 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Limited, were brought before Justice Deinde Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Additional suspects are expected to be arraigned before other judges in the coming days.
The EFCC, represented by its Director of Legal Affairs, Larry Peters Aso, and other counsel, charged the defendants with offences under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.
The allegations include unauthorised access to computer systems and the recruitment of Nigerian youths for identity fraud to impersonate foreign nationals for financial exploitation.
During the hearing, an interpreter read the charges in Mandarin, and all accused persons pleaded not guilty.
One defendant, Wang Zheng Ming, declined EFCC-appointed legal representation, requesting time to hire a personal lawyer.
Justice Dipeolu scheduled trial proceedings for February 3, 7, 14, and 21, ordering the accused to remain in custody until their bail applications are reviewed.
The case stems from a December 16, 2024, EFCC operation in which 193 foreigners and 599 Nigerians were arrested in Lagos.
The syndicate operated from a seven-story building in Victoria Island, allegedly using it as a front for training recruits in fraudulent activities.
Authorities say foreign actors have taken advantage of Nigeria’s reputation for online fraud, establishing local bases to conceal their operations.
The EFCC, however, has vowed to intensify efforts to dismantle such networks.
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