The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned 57 foreign nationals, including Chinese and Filipino citizens, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of romance scams, fraud, and cybercrime. The defendants appeared before four different courts, facing charges of impersonation, identity theft, and cyberterrorism, with claims that they were involved in attempts to destabilize Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
Following their arraignment before Justices Ayokunle Faji, Chukwujekwu Aneke, Denide Dipeolu, and Alexander Owoeye, the court ordered that they be remanded in Nigerian Correctional Services custody. The female defendants were sent to Kirikiri Correctional Centre, while the male defendants were detained at Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
Arrest and Charges
The EFCC revealed that the syndicate was apprehended on December 10, 2024, following credible intelligence at their hideout located at 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The suspects were charged under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004. The charges include:
- Cybercrimes and cyberterrorism
- Possession of fraudulent documents
- Identity theft
- Recruitment of Nigerian youths for cyber fraud
Key Defendants
Some of the accused individuals include:
- Cherry De Leon (aka Yesh De Leon)
- Khurram Shanzad
- Fernad Fu Fang (aka Kim)
- Tan Soon Kar
- Rex Jose Dilag (aka Madison)
- Hannah Jaramillo (aka Max De Leon)
- Lin Haobo
- Shitou Shizilong
- Peng Sen Lin (aka Dong Fang Hong, Huang Ren Jan, and Shi Yang Xiong)
- Danica Manulit (aka Dan Ruiz)
- Beverlyn Gumayo Casino (aka Sumayo)
- Tricia Jenylyn Castro (aka T. J. Castro)
Next Court Dates
After the charges were read, all 57 defendants pleaded not guilty. The court adjourned the cases for trial on February 20, 21, 24, 28, and March 18, 2025.
