A Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted 21 foreign nationals for cybercrime and ordered them to leave Nigeria within six working days.
The convicts, who are among 109 foreign nationals facing charges for cybercrime and money laundering, were each fined N1 million by Justice Ekerete Akpan on Tuesday, following a plea bargain agreement with the Nigeria Police Force.
“They shall depart the country within six working days,” Justice Akpan said after confirming that the plea deal was entered into willingly. “The sentence shall be based on the parties’ agreement of N1 million fine each, against each of the defendants which shall be paid before their release.”
The 21 convicts include Yang Yang, Li Xiao Fen, Zheng Peng Zhan, Shu Huan, Jupanpan, Feng Guo, Zhao Yifan, Mahunan, Wang Yi Bo, Chen Yan Qi, Shi Hao Jie, Xiejang Bing, Zheng Jian Feng, Zheng Peng Fei, Wei Tang, Wang Hao, Cheng Xing, Yang Xu Gung, Zhu Jiu Hui, Xhou Kia Lai, and Tue Xue Fie.
Defence lawyer, Linda Ikpeazu, told the court, “My lord, we are going to pay in the next five minutes,” when asked if the fines had been settled.
The group was accused of operating an illegal gaming platform from a property in Katampe District, Abuja. The police said they aided and abetted cybercrime, accessed computer networks unlawfully, and entered false data.
They also allegedly laundered money through websites like 9f.com, c2.top, and 8pg.top and overstayed their 30-day business permits.
Justice Akpan ruled that all devices used in the cybercrime must be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The remaining 88 foreign nationals still facing trial are expected to appear in court on October 22 and 23.
