The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday convicted and sentenced two Chinese nationals and directors of Genting International Co. Limited, Huang Haoyu, also known as Ken, and An Hongxu, to 46 years’ imprisonment each for their roles in a multi-billion-naira cybercrime and money laundering scheme.
Justice Daniel Osiagor, who delivered the judgment, gave the convicts an option of a N56m fine. He also ordered them to undertake three days of community service and directed that they be repatriated to China after serving their sentences and completing the service.
The two were among 792 suspected Internet and cryptocurrency fraud suspects arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Lagos in December 2024.
However, a third defendant, Audu Friday, pleaded not guilty and will stand trial.
At Wednesday’s proceedings, defence counsel, Bridget Omateno, informed the court that Huang and An had decided to change their pleas from not guilty to guilty.
“The first and third defendants have decided to change their pleas. We urge the court to direct that the charges be read to them afresh,” she said.
Although no plea bargain was reached, the court granted the request. After the seven-count charge was re-read, Huang and An pleaded guilty, while Friday maintained his innocence.
