EFCC Charges 14 Filipinos and Company with Cyber-Terrorism and Internet Fraud in Lagos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken legal action against 14 Filipinos and the company Genting International Co. Ltd, presenting the case before Justice Musa Kakaki at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The charges include cyber-terrorism and internet fraud.
In a statement released on Thursday via the EFCC’s X account, the individuals charged are: Marj Maranga, Zara Fabian, Jonalyn Mendoza, Dominique Medina, Rachelle Cabalona, Krystel Aquilesca, Caselyn Pionela, Raizza Camara, Danica Silad, Reyna Mae Eriba, Chynna Samonte, Mary Grace Dela Cruz, Sevien Cire Renovilla, and Rose-Ann Gonzales.
According to the EFCC, these defendants are part of a larger group of 792 individuals allegedly involved in cryptocurrency investment and romance scams, who were arrested in Lagos on December 10, 2024, during a surprise operation named “Eagle Flush Operation.”
The charges against the defendants encompass a range of cybercrimes, including impersonation, the possession of fake documents, identity theft, and cyber-terrorism. Notably, the accusation against Mary Grace Dela Cruz states that she and Genting International Co. Ltd deliberately accessed computer systems in December 2024 in Lagos, with the intent to destabilize Nigeria’s economic and social structures. This allegedly involved recruiting Nigerian youth to commit identity theft, aiming for financial gain, thus violating the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Act of 2015 (as amended in 2024) and the Terrorism (Prevention, Prohibition) Act of 2022.
Another charge against Krystel Aquilesca claims that she fraudulently impersonated an individual named ‘TETEEL’ in December 2024 in Lagos, intending to secure financial benefits for her employer, which again falls under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act of 2015.
All defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the allegations. Following this, the prosecution, represented by M.K. Bashir, N.K. Ukoha, and Bilkisu Buhari, requested that a trial date be set and that the defendants be detained in a correctional facility. Justice Kakaki has scheduled the next court hearing for March 13, 2025, and ordered the defendants to remain in custody during this period.
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