Seven Chinese Nationals Jailed in Nigeria for Cyberterrorism and Internet Fraud Linked to Ponzi Scheme
A Nigerian Federal High Court in Lagos sentenced seven Chinese nationals—Peng Li Huan, Zhang Jin Rong, He Kun, Rachelle Cabalona, Caselyn Pionela, Guo Long Long, and Zhang Hua Zhai—to one year in prison and a ₦1 million fine each for cyberterrorism and internet fraud tied to a massive Ponzi scheme uncovered in December 2024. The EFCC arrested over 700 people in a Victoria Island raid and revealed that the foreigners trained Nigerian youths to run romance scams and crypto investment fraud via platforms like yooto.com. The court also ordered their deportation upon completing their sentences. Convictions were based on plea bargains, and the offense violated provisions of Nigeria's Cybercrimes and Terrorism Acts.