Cyble EFCC Witness Exposes Shocking Details of Cyber Terrorism and Internet Fraud Scheme

Overview

In a highly anticipated trial on February 7, 2025, Rowland Turaki, a former employee of the accused, Xiao Hong Will, a Chinese national, took the stand as the first prosecution witness in the ongoing case concerning alleged cyber terrorism and internet fraud. The trial, which is being heard at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, is centered on Xiao Hong Will and his company, Genting International Co. Limited, both facing serious charges related to cybercrimes, identity theft, and fraud.

The witness, who was studying cybersecurity at the time, described in vivid detail how his employers instructed him to disguise himself as a woman to gain the trust of potential clients for fraudulent schemes. According to Turaki, he was employed by Genting International, a company allegedly linked to a network of cybercriminals engaged in elaborate internet fraud operations. The company is accused of using deceptive tactics, including employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and cyber-terrorism activities aimed at destabilizing Nigeria’s constitutional structure.

The Arrest of Xiao Hong Will

Xiao Hong Will, arrested during the EFCC’s “Eagle Flush Operation” in Lagos on December 19, 2024, is charged with a series of crimes under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (As Amended, 2024). He and his company allegedly facilitated the exploitation of victims by using fraudulent identities and cryptocurrency schemes to gain financial advantage. The prosecution has charged Hong Will and Genting International with using Nigerian youths to create fake personas, potentially involving the manipulation of clients through internet fraud and cyber terrorism tactics.

In the Federal High Court proceedings, Turaki recounted how he was initially recruited via a job advertisement he found on Jiji.ng, where the position of a customer service representative was listed with an attractive salary of ₦250,000 (166 USD). After contacting the company through WhatsApp, he was invited to a seemingly legitimate interview at an office located in Victoria Island, Lagos. During the interview, he was tested on his typing skills rather than his technical cybersecurity knowledge. Once hired, Turaki was provided with a script to follow for communicating with clients, but he was given no real training in cybersecurity. Instead, he was instructed to deceive clients using a pre-written conversation template that involved impersonating a woman.

The Testimony of Turaki

Turaki’s testimony revealed that this deception was not an isolated case but part of a larger pattern of manipulation aimed at exploiting vulnerable individuals. He was given specific instructions to gain the trust of European clients through personal chats using the preordained script. The purpose of these interactions, he explained, was to build a rapport with the clients, ultimately luring them into fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Once the trust was established, Turaki and his colleagues would hand off the clients to their Chinese supervisors, who would finalize the fraudulent transactions.

Turaki also disclosed that the company employed a model named Amity Smith, who provided photos and videos to enhance the believability of the fraudulent personas. This was part of the psychological manipulation tactics employed by the syndicate to make the interactions more convincing. Once a client was sufficiently manipulated, the fraudsters would move on to the next victim. In Turaki’s case, however, the pressure to meet client quotas and the constant threat of being fired without compensation led him to attempt to resign from the company. He claimed that when he expressed his desire to leave, he was told he had to provide 15 days’ notice or risk being sent away with no payment.

Despite his attempts to escape, Turaki was trapped in a highly controlled environment, with armed police officers monitoring the premises where he worked and lived. He described the oppressive atmosphere at the workplace, where his movements were heavily restricted, and he was even denied permission to seek medical care when needed. The level of security and the threats of violence kept many of the workers, mostly young adults aged between 20 and 30, under tight control, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

Eventually, Turaki’s ordeal ended when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided the premises as part of a broader crackdown on cybercrime. The EFCC’s operation, which led to the arrest of 792 individuals, is a significant part of the ongoing efforts to combat cyber terrorism and internet fraud in Nigeria. The operation, dubbed “Eagle Flush,” was aimed at dismantling fraud syndicates operating both locally and internationally.

At Friday’s court proceedings, prosecution counsel Bilkisu Buhari confirmed that the prosecution was prepared to move forward with its case, with more witnesses expected to testify. However, the defense counsel, B.A. Omateno requested a delay, citing the complexity of the case. Justice D.I. Dipeolu ruled that the trial would proceed, and Turaki continued with his testimony. The case was adjourned until March 18, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.

Closing thoughts

The case of Xiao Hong Will and Genting International highlights the escalating threat of cyber terrorism and internet fraud in Nigeria, particularly the exploitation of youth by foreign nationals using tactics such as identity theft, manipulation, and cryptocurrency for illicit gain. This situation highlights the urgent need for stronger legal measures and vigilance in combating cybercrime. With the EFCC’s efforts, Nigerian authorities are intensifying their fight against the growing menace that threatens national security and the financial well-being of citizens.

References

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