EFCC has arraigned 14 Filipinos and Genting International Co. Ltd in Lagos for cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, and identity theft
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 14 Filipino nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Ltd, before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
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The defendants face charges related to cyber-terrorism, internet fraud, impersonation, and identity theft.
The EFCC revealed that the Filipinos were part of a 792-member syndicate allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance scams.
They were arrested on 10 December 2024 in a surprise crackdown named the “Eagle Flush Operation.”
According to the EFCC, the defendants willfully accessed and manipulated computer systems to disrupt Nigeria’s economic and social stability.
They also allegedly recruited Nigerian youths for identity theft, instructing them to pose as foreigners to defraud unsuspecting victims.
Each of the 14 defendants faces separate charges. For example, Mary Grace Dela Cruz and Genting International Co. Ltd are accused of organising cybercrimes that targeted Nigeria’s economic structure.
Meanwhile, Krystel Aquilesca allegedly impersonated a foreign individual named “TETEEL” for financial gain.
All 14 defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. The prosecution team, led by M.K. Bashir, N.K. Ukoha, and Bilkisu Buhari, requested trial dates and the defendants’ remand in a correctional facility.
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Justice Musa Kakaki adjourned the case until 13 March 2025 and ordered that the defendants remain in custody until their trial begins.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
