The Federal High Court in Lagos has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu, to 46 years’ imprisonment each for their involvement in a multi-billion-naira cybercrime and money laundering scheme.
The convicts, identified as directors of Genting International Co. Limited, pleaded guilty to charges filed against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges included unlawful access to computer systems, recruitment of Nigerian youths for online fraud operations, and laundering billions of naira as well as over 2.5 million dollars in cryptocurrency.
Delivering judgment, Justice Daniel Osiagor handed down the prison terms with an option of a N56 million fine and three days of community service.
The court also ordered that the convicts be repatriated to their home country after serving their sentences.In addition, the court directed the forfeiture of several assets recovered during the investigation into the cybercrime network.
A third defendant, Audu Friday, pleaded not guilty to the charges and is set to face trial, while related proceedings against Genting International Co. Limited are ongoing.
The judgment underscores ongoing efforts by anti-graft authorities to clamp down on cybercrime and financial crimes in Nigeria.
Reporting by Wahab Akinlade