The Federal High Court of Nigeria recently ruled on a major transnational cyber fraud case, sentencing 15 Chinese nationals, 2 Filipinos, and 1 Pakistani to one year in prison each, and imposing a fine of 1 million Naira (approximately 4,800 RMB) per person. After serving their sentences, all foreign nationals will be deported.
The case was led by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria, and the trial took place in three federal courts in Lagos, the largest city, presided over by judges Chukwujekwu Aneke, Ayokunle Faji, and Yellim Bogoro. All defendants pleaded guilty during the trial.
The involved Chinese citizens include: Peng Lihuan, Zhang Jinrong, He Kun, Guo Longlong, Zhang Huazhai, Lin Haobo, Chen Fusheng, Chen Dongdong, Wang Gonglin, Pan Caiyu, Huang Renjian, Zhang Xiaolei, Chen Yuan, Wu Yong'an, Chen Xin; also included are two Filipinos, Rachelle Cabalona and Caselyn Pionela, and one Pakistani, Khurram Shahzad.
The investigation revealed that this gang set up a scam center in a high-rise building in Lagos, inducing local youth to impersonate foreigners and operate fake investment platforms to commit fraud, intending to manipulate the market and disrupt financial order. The prosecution charged them with "cyber terrorism."
The court ruled that, in addition to imprisonment and fines, all equipment, funds, and data involved in the crimes would be confiscated to the state. Within seven days after serving their sentences, the immigration bureau will initiate compulsory deportation procedures.
This case is considered one of the largest and most foreign-involved cyber fraud cases in Nigeria in recent years, attracting significant public attention. The EFCC stated that it will continue to combat illegal foreign cybercrime groups to prevent similar organizations from establishing bases locally and endangering economic security.
