The suspects—LI Dong, Deng Wei Qiang, Huang Bo, Xiong Zhen, Lai Rui Feng, Zhao Xiao Hui, Lui Hai Rong, Lui Gang, and Du Ji Feng—were part of a larger group of 792 individuals arrested on December 19, 2024, linked to cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.
They faced separate charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud, filed by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 in February 2025.The charges accused them of conspiring to access computer systems with the intent to destabilize Nigeria’s economy and social structure, violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Initially pleading not guilty, the defendants changed their pleas to guilty during the court session on June 5, 2025. Prosecution counsel Nnaemeka Omewa requested the court to convict and sentence them, a motion supported by the defense.
Justice Osiagor sentenced each defendant to one year imprisonment, effective from their arrest date on December 10, 2024, and imposed a fine of N1,000,000 each. The court also ordered their repatriation to China within seven days of completing their sentences.
Additionally, all electronic devices seized during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation,” including mobile phones, computers, laptops, and routers, were forfeited to the Federal Government.
