The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday announced the conviction and sentencing of two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, to 46 years’ imprisonment each for cyberterrorism, internet fraud and money laundering offences involving over ₦3.4 billion and $2.5 million.
The anti-graft agency disclosed the development via its official X (formerly Twitter) page, stating that Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, delivered the judgment on February 11, 2026.
The convicts were among 792 suspects arrested on December 19, 2024, during a large-scale sting operation tagged “Eagle Flush Operation” conducted by EFCC operatives in Lagos.
The operation targeted a syndicate allegedly involved in cryptocurrency scams, investment fraud and romance fraud schemes.
According to the EFCC, investigations revealed that one of the defendants, Friday Audu, allegedly incorporated Genting International Co. Ltd. at the directive of Huang Haoyu to facilitate the fraudulent activities. The company was subsequently charged alongside the individuals.
The defendants were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on cyberterrorism, internet fraud and money laundering to the tune of ₦3,407,824,740.78 and $2,562,203.
One of the charges stated that the defendants conspired to access computer systems “organised to seriously destabilise the economic and social structure of Nigeria,” by procuring and employing Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals online for financial gain, contrary to the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).
Although they initially pleaded not guilty, counsel to Huang and Hongxu later informed the court of their decision to change their pleas. Upon re-arraignment, both men pleaded guilty, while Audu maintained his not guilty plea.
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The prosecution, led by Bilikisu Bala-Buhari, urged the court to impose stiff penalties and order the forfeiture of items recovered during the investigation.
Recovered exhibits from multiple properties in Victoria Island and Ikoyi included 1,596 mobile phones, 2,120 office chairs, 544 office tables, 194 routers, 43 computer systems, a network server, 126 air-conditioning units, generators, vehicles, mattresses, bunk beds and thousands of SIM cards.
Justice Osiagor subsequently sentenced Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu to 46 years’ imprisonment each. Proceedings in respect of the third defendant are ongoing.
The conviction represents a significant milestone in the EFCC’s intensified crackdown on large-scale cybercrime networks operating within Nigeria.