By Paul Joseph
Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced two Chinese nationals, Huang Haoyu (also known as Ken) and An Hongxu, both directors of Genting International Co. Limited, to 46 years in prison each, or a fine of N56 million, for their involvement in a multi-billion-naira cybercrime and money laundering operation.
The court also mandated that the convicts complete three days of community service and be deported to China after serving their sentences.
Huang and An were among 792 individuals suspected of internet and cryptocurrency fraud who were apprehended by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos in December 2024.
A third defendant, Audu Friday, pleaded not guilty and will continue to face trial.
During the proceedings, the defense attorney for Huang and An, Bridget Omateno, informed the court that her clients had opted to change their pleas from not guilty to guilty.
The court re-read the seven-count charge, after which both Huang Haoyu and An Hongxu formally entered guilty pleas, while Audu Friday maintained his not guilty stance.
Prosecutor Bilkisu Buhari-Bala urged the court to impose the maximum penalties, highlighting that the first two counts could lead to life imprisonment, while the third and fourth counts carry 14-year sentences.
She also requested the forfeiture of all assets seized during the investigation, including properties in Victoria Island and Ikoyi, to the Federal Government.
Justice Osiagor granted the prosecution’s requests, sentencing Huang and An to 46 years each, with the option of a N56 million fine, three days of community service, and repatriation after serving their sentences.
Proceedings against Audu Friday will continue.
The court ordered the forfeiture of a wide range of assets recovered from various locations in Victoria Island and Ikoyi, including 1,596 mobile phones, 2,120 office chairs, 544 office tables, 194 routers, 43 computers, a network server, 126 air conditioners, generators, vehicles, hundreds of mattresses and bunk beds, thousands of SIM cards, and many other electronic and household items.
According to the charges, the defendants conspired in 2024 to access computer systems with the aim of undermining Nigeria’s economic and social structures.
They allegedly recruited Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals for financial gain, retained over $2.5 million in cryptocurrency wallets, and laundered more than N3.4 billion through the accounts of Genting International Co. Limited.
Additional funds were reportedly transferred to an account belonging to Duliang Pan, who is currently at large, and N106.95 million to Lagos Oriental Hotel Limited.
Separate charges against Audu Friday and the company included unlawful foreign activities.
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