A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday convicted and sentenced 14 Chinese nationals for cyberterrorism and internet fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission revealed that the suspects were members of a cybercrime syndicate dismantled during a sting operation in Lagos on December 19, 2024.
In a statement shared on its X handle, the anti-graft agency stated that the 14 individuals were part of the 792 suspects apprehended for alleged involvement in cryptocurrency investment and romance scams targeting Nigerians.
They were brought before Justice Daniel Osiagor on individual charges related to cyberterrorism and internet fraud.
One of the charges stated: “That you, Su Zong Gen, in December 2024 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully accessed a computer system with the intent to destabilize and undermine the economy and social structure of Nigeria…”
The defendants, who initially pleaded not guilty, later changed their plea to guilty during Friday’s court proceedings.
The court further directed that upon completing their sentence or paying the imposed fine, the convicts must be deported to China within seven days by the Nigeria Immigration Service.
The Chinese nationals convicted are: Su Zong Gen, Li Zhong Chang, Chen Gui Ping, Li Xiang Long, San Feng Zhang, Jia Yang, Jia Zhi Hao, Liu Chuang, Yu Hai Ging, Zhao Xiao Liang, Dai Li, Tao Kun, Mao Bu Yi, and Zhao Zi Cheng.
Source: Punch News