Court grants forfeiture of cars, 1,596 computers, 4,091 phones recovered from foreign fraud syndicate

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of 1,596 computers, 4,091 mobile phones, seven vehicles, and approximately 70 other assets confiscated during a major operation against a foreign fraud syndicate. The assets were recovered during a surprise raid known as the “Eagle Flush Operation,” led by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The operation, carried out on December 10, 2024, led to the arrest of 193 foreign nationals and 599 Nigerians at a hideout in the Big Leaf Building, Victoria Island, Lagos. The suspects are accused of involvement in cryptocurrency fraud, computer-related crimes, money laundering, and romance scams.

Several of the arrested individuals have been arraigned in court, alongside Genting International, a company allegedly tied to fraudulent schemes involving Chinese and Filipino nationals.

EFCC counsel Bima Isah, who filed an ex parte application for the interim forfeiture, stated that intelligence suggested a large-scale fraud operation being run by foreign nationals in Lagos. He further alleged that the syndicate financed its activities through Genting International Co. Limited and that the seized assets were likely proceeds from illegal activities.

After reviewing the application and evidence under Section 44(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act of 2006, Justice Deinde Dipeolu granted the order. The judge instructed the EFCC to publish the order in a national newspaper, with a 14-day window for anyone to challenge the forfeiture of the assets in court.

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The forfeited assets include 3,399 SIM cards (from MTN, 9mobile, Airtel, and Glo), routers, air conditioning units, refrigerators, generators, sofas, bunk beds, office equipment, and various kitchen appliances, among others.

In an affidavit filed by EFCC investigator Kaina Garba, the commission explained that the order was necessary to prevent tampering with the seized assets, which are believed to be used in computer-related fraud and money laundering operations by the foreign crime syndicates.

The investigation revealed that the criminal syndicate, consisting of Chinese nationals, was recruiting and training Nigerian youths in cybercrime, including dating and investment fraud. The sting operation on December 10, 2024, led to the arrest of 761 suspects, including foreign nationals and Nigerians. However, the suspected leaders and financiers remain at large and are being actively pursued by EFCC operatives.

Justice Dipeolu, after considering the motion and attached evidence, ruled in favour of the EFCC, granting the interim forfeiture of the assets.