EFCC secures conviction of two Chinese nationals for cybercrime in Lagos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of two Chinese nationals, Huang Xiao Liang (a.k.a Liu Xiao Liang) and Shi Yang Xiong, for cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

The judgment was delivered on Monday, July 14, 2025, by Justice Dehinde Dipeolu at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.

According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, the two convicts were among 792 suspects arrested during a major sting operation code-named “Eagle Flush Operation,” conducted on December 19, 2024.

The coordinated raid targeted a syndicate involved in large-scale cryptocurrency investment scams and romance fraud.

Initially, both Huang and Shi pleaded not guilty to separate charges bordering on cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.

However, during the court proceedings on Monday, they changed their pleas to guilty.

One of the charges read: “That you, HUANG XIAO LIANG (a.k.a LIU XIAO LIANG) and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. Ltd., sometime in December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, conspired amongst yourselves, caused to be accessed a computer system used for the purpose of destabilising and destroying the economy and social structure of Nigeria, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition & Prevention) Act, 2015.”

Following their guilty pleas, the prosecuting counsel, U.S. Kyari, urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants accordingly.

Justice Dipeolu subsequently sentenced both men to one year in prison and imposed a fine of ₦1 million each.

Additionally, all items recovered from the convicts during the EFCC operation were ordered forfeited to the Federal Government.

The court also directed the Nigeria Immigration Service to deport the convicts back to China within seven days of completing their prison terms.

The EFCC reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying its crackdown on cybercrime networks targeting Nigeria’s digital and financial systems.