The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of 14 Chinese nationals on charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The judgment was delivered on Friday, June 27, 2025, by Justice Daniel Osiagor at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The convicted individuals—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—were arrested during a large-scale sting operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” carried out by EFCC operatives on December 19, 2024.
The raid targeted a syndicate of 792 suspects allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance scams.
Initially pleading not guilty to charges, the suspects later reversed their plea to guilty during the court sitting. Following the change, EFCC prosecutors T.J. Banjo and M.S. Owede asked the court for their conviction, which the defence counsel did not oppose.
Justice Osiagor sentenced each defendant to one year in prison and imposed a fine of ₦1,000,000. Additionally, he ordered the forfeiture of all recovered items to the Nigerian government. Upon completing their prison terms, the Nigeria Immigration Service is directed to deport the convicts to China within seven days.
What you should know
Fourteen Chinese nationals arrested in 2024 during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” were convicted for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. They were sentenced to one year in prison, fined ₦1 million each, and will be deported after serving their jail terms.
