Court Orders Forfeiture of 431 Phones Linked to Cyber Fraud by Chinese Nationals

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of 431 mobile phones connected to a cyber-fraud operation involving Chinese nationals and Nigerian youths. This decision was made by Justice Deinde Dipeolu after a request from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The EFCC claimed the phones were acquired through illegal activities and were used in internet fraud. The court’s order came after the EFCC filed an application for permanent forfeiture of the devices.

According to the EFCC, the phones were linked to a large cyber-fraud scheme run by Chinese nationals in collaboration with Nigerian youths. The operation was based in a facility known as “HK” in Victoria Island, Lagos, which allegedly housed over 500 laptops and many mobile phones used for scams.

The EFCC reported that a sting operation in December 2024 led to the arrest of more than 700 people, including many Nigerians and foreign nationals from countries like China and the Philippines. The suspects reportedly targeted victims in the United States, Canada, and Europe through phishing and online communications.

The EFCC also alleged that a company called Genting International Company Limited was involved in recruiting Nigerian youths for these fraudulent activities. The recruits were said to have been trained to engage in scams using WhatsApp accounts linked to foreign numbers.

After further investigations, the EFCC discovered the additional 431 mobile phones believed to be used in these fraud activities. The court granted an interim forfeiture order in July 2026, and after no challenges were made against it, the EFCC sought a final forfeiture.

Justice Dipeolu ruled in favor of the EFCC, stating that the court had the authority to forfeit property suspected to be linked to illegal activities. The ruling marks a significant step in the fight against cyber fraud in Nigeria.