14 Chinese Nationals Convicted in Lagos for Cyber-Terrorism, Internet Fraud
EFCC secures jail terms, fines, and deportation orders for foreign syndicate members arrested in ‘Eagle Flush Operation’
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, June 27, 2025, secured the conviction of 14 Chinese nationals for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud before Justice Daniel Osiagor of 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 in December 2024 during a massive sting operation by the EFCC codenamed Eagle Flush, which targeted a syndicate of 792 suspects linked to cryptocurrency scams and romance fraud.
Initially, the defendants pleaded not guilty to charges bordering on cyber-terrorism, including allegations of illegally accessing Nigerian computer systems with the intent to destabilize the economy. However, during the latest court sitting, all 14 changed their pleas to guilty.
Following their admission, EFCC prosecutors T.J. Banjo and M.S. Owede urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly, a position accepted by their legal representatives. Justice Osiagor then sentenced each of the convicts to one year in prison, with an option of a ₦1 million fine.
In addition to their sentences, the court ordered that all items recovered from the defendants be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria. Upon completing their jail terms, the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service is to facilitate their deportation within seven days.
The EFCC hailed the verdict as a milestone in its continued crackdown on foreign-led cybercrime operations threatening Nigeria’s digital and economic security.
