The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, alongside a Nigerian, Audu Friday, before Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The defendants are facing an 11-count charge related to cyber-terrorism, computer-related offenses, and money laundering involving a staggering ₦3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203.
The EFCC alleges that the trio engaged in fraudulent activities that violated Nigeria’s anti-cybercrime and financial regulations.
According to the EFCC, the accused were part of a syndicate of 792 individuals arrested in Lagos last December 19, during the agency’s “Eagle Flush Operation.”
They were allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.
Investigations indicated that Friday had incorporated Genting International Co. Limited under the directive of Huang Haoyu.
According to one of the charges, the defendants conspired to gain financial advantage by recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals in fraudulent schemes.
The EFCC further alleged that they retained over N3.4 billion in a Union Bank account, funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity.
The trio pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their pleas, EFCC prosecutor Bilkisu Buhari requested a short trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in EFCC custody.
The Defence counsel Emeka Okonkwo, SAN, also requested that they remain in EFCC custody pending their bail hearing.
Justice Osiagor granted the request, ordering their remand in EFCC custody and adjourning the case for a bail hearing.