Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, has convicted and sentenced eight Chinese nationals for cyberterrorism and internet fraud. The ruling marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing crackdown on transnational cybercrime networks.
The convicted individuals are Pan Cai Qi, Zeng Xian Tao, Weng Mao Rong, Wang Xiong Wei (aka Xiao Bai), Shi Dong Fu, Wang Shi Long, Liu Ke Fan, and Ting Liao. They were found guilty of participating in sophisticated online fraud operations that targeted victims across multiple countries.
Their conviction follows their arrest during a coordinated sting operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), codenamed “Eagle Flush Operation,” which took place on December 19, 2024. The EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 charged the defendants in connection with a 792-member global cybercrime syndicate.
According to the EFCC, the syndicate was behind a network of cryptocurrency investment scams, romance frauds, and identity theft schemes carried out through highly advanced digital infrastructure. The operation has led to a series of convictions involving foreign nationals across Nigeria.
In May 2025, 11 Filipinos, two Chinese, one Malaysian, and one Indonesian were convicted and sentenced to one year in prison each for cyberterrorism and online fraud. Those convicted included Winnie De Jesus, Kayceelynn Remorin, Irish Chna, Darwisa Esmael, Kimberly Nisperos, Savien Cire Renovilla, Zeng Zerong, Guo Bin, Jessa Sanchi, Jhena Sarmiento, Rain Torida, Rex Jose Dilag (aka Madison), Tan Soon Kar, Fernando Fu Fang, and Beverlyin Gumayo (aka Veb Sumayo).
On June 5, Justice Daniel Osiagor sentenced nine Chinese nationals, including two females, to one year in prison and a ₦1 million fine each for economic sabotage and financial terrorism. The convicts included Zhao Xiang Hui, Liu Hai Rong, Liu Gang, Du Ji Geng Li Dong, Huang Bo, Xhiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, and Deng Wei Qiang.
On June 10, Justice Osiagor convicted another nine Chinese nationals—Li Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Liu Hai Rong, Liu Gang, and Du Ji Feng—for similar offenses.
On June 21, Justices Aneke, Ayokunle Faji, and Yellim Bogoro sentenced 18 more foreign nationals—15 Chinese, two Filipinos, and one Pakistani—for cyberterrorism and internet fraud. The convicted Chinese nationals were Peng Li Huan, Zhang Jin Rong, He Kun, Guo Long Long, Zhang Hua Zhai, Lin Hao Bo, Chen Fusheng, Chen Dong Dong, Wang Gong Lin, Pan Cai Yu, Huang Ren Jian, Zhang Xiao Lei, Chen Yuan, Wu Yong An, and Chen Xin. The Filipinos were Rachelle Cabalona and Caselyn Pionela, while the Pakistani national was Khurram Shahzad.
Most recently, on June 27, Justice Osiagor convicted another 14 Chinese nationals, including 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.
These repeated convictions demonstrate the Nigerian judiciary’s resolve, in partnership with the EFCC, to dismantle global fraud networks and hold perpetrators accountable for cyberterrorism and digital financial crimes.
