Two Chinese get 46 years jail term over N3.4bn, $2.5m cyberterrorism, romance scam

Two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, have been sentenced to 46 years’ imprisonment each by the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, for their roles in a multi-billion-naira cyberterrorism and internet fraud.

Daniel Osiagor (Justice), delivered the judgment on Wednesday, convicting the duo on charges bordering on cyberterrorism, internet fraud and money laundering involving N3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203.

The convicts were arrested alongside Friday Audu and hundreds of others during a surprise sting operation code-named “Eagle Flush Operation” carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 19, 2024.

The raid led to the arrest of 792 suspected fraudsters allegedly involved in cryptocurrency scams, fake investment schemes and romance fraud across Lagos.

According to the EFCC’s statement signed by Dele Oyewale, investigations revealed that the syndicate operated through Genting International Co. Ltd., a company allegedly incorporated by Friday Audu on the directive of Huang Haoyu to facilitate the fraudulent activities.

Prosecutors told the court that the defendants recruited and employed Nigerian youths, who were instructed to pose as foreign nationals on online platforms in order to deceive unsuspecting victims.

The fraudulent representations were allegedly designed to extract funds under the guise of romantic relationships, cryptocurrency investments and other fictitious financial opportunities.

The commission charged the defendants and the company on a seven-count charge, including conspiracy, cyberterrorism and money laundering under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

One of the counts accused the defendants of conspiring in 2024 to access and deploy computer systems “organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria,” with intent to gain financial advantage, contrary to Sections 27 and 18 of the Cybercrimes Act.

According to the statement, the defendants initially pleaded not guilty when first arraigned.

However, at Wednesday’s resumed hearing, counsel to the first and third defendants, Bridget Omateno, informed the court that Huang and Hongxu wished to change their pleas to guilty.

“Upon the charges being re-read, both men admitted to the offences, while Audu maintained his not guilty plea”, EFCC said.

Following the guilty pleas, Bilikisu Bala-Buhari, prosecution counsel, reminded the court that two witnesses had already testified before the change of plea.

She urged the court to impose the maximum sentence of life imprisonment on counts one to three and 14 years’ imprisonment on counts four to seven.

She also sought an order for the forfeiture of all items recovered from the properties used in the operation to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The EFCC said it recovered a large cache of items from four properties in Victoria Island and Ikoyi, Lagos, including 1,596 mobile phones, 2,120 office chairs, 544 office tables, 194 routers, 43 computer systems and a network server, as well as 126 air-conditioning units.

The agency also seized thousands of SIM cards across different networks, several generators and vehicles, in addition to hundreds of mattresses and bunk beds believed to have been used in the operation.

The properties were located on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Bishop Oluwole Street and A.J. Marinho Drive in Victoria Island, as well as Modupe Alakija Crescent in Ikoyi.

In his judgment,  Osiagor sentenced Huang and Hongxu to a cumulative term of 46 years’ imprisonment each, with an option of fine of N56 million.

The court further ordered that the convicts undertake three days of community service and be repatriated to their home country after serving their sentences and completing the community service requirement.

The trial of Friday Audu, who maintained his not guilty plea, was adjourned until April 29, 2026, for continuation.