EFCC Arraigns 57 Foreigners For Romance Scam, Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 57 foreigners before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of romance scam, fraud and cybercrime.

The foreigners, who included Chinese and Filipino citizens, were docked before four different courts on separate charges of impersonation, fraud, and attempts to destabilise Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

The defendants were all remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services by the four judges, Justices Ayokunle Faji, Chukwujekwu Aneke, Denide Dipeolu, and Alexander Owoeye.

The defendants were part of a group of foreign syndicates arrested by the EFCC on December 10, 2024, following credible intelligence at their hideout on 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The defendants were charged with various offences, including cybercrimes, cyberterrorism, possessing documents containing false pretences, and identity theft.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that they secretly procured and employed several Nigerian youths for identity theft and other computer-related fraud.

The Commission insisted that the offences are punishable under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015, as amended in 2024.

The anti-graft agency further stated that the offences violate Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015 (as amended, 2024), and Section 39(2) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004, punishable under Section 39(2) (b) of the same Act.

Among those arraigned in four different courts were Cherry De Leon (also known as Yesh De Leon), Khurram Shanzad, Fernad Fu Fang (also known as Kim), Tan Soon Kar, Rex Jose Dilag (also known as Madison), Jamal Polea, Jamilyn Jaynee Gonzalez (also known as Jam Galanza), and Hannah Jaramillo (also known as Max De Leon).

Other defendants include Lin Haobo, An Hongxu (also known as Ruike), Shitou Shizilong, Pan Jiong, Zhow Kunji, Huang Xiao Liang (also known as Liu Xiao Liang), Peng Sen Lin (also known as Peng Song Lin, Pen Sen Ling, Dong Fang Hong, Huang Ren Jan, and Shi Yang Xiong), Lu Yi Liang, Guo Giang (also known as Lisa), Wen Zong Xu, Pan Cai Yu, and Guo Zhi Yong.

Additional defendants are Danica Manulit (also known as Dan Ruiz), Vera Dela Cris (also known as Nina Vera Gonzal), Joey Gracia, Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (also known as Sumayo), and Tricia Jenylyn Castro (also known as T. J. Castro).

After the charges were read individually to each defendant, they all pleaded not guilty.

In response, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded in Nigeria’s Correctional Centres. The female defendants were taken to the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while the male defendants were sent to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

The different cases have been adjourned for trial until February 20, 21, 24, 28, and March 18, 2025.