Alleged digital crimes have landed about 109 foreigners in Kuje and Suleja prisons. The allegedly attempted to lure some Nigerians into investing in online gambling platforms.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded 109 foreign hackers accused of alleged digital crimes aimed at defrauding Nigerians. The defendants come from countries like China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Myanmar.
They face six charges related to alleged digital crimes, including cybercrime and money laundering. The court sent the male defendants to Kuje prison and the female defendants in Suleja prison. The case was adjourned for one week for the defendants to enter their pleas.
Alleged digital crimes and international impact
The alleged crimes include hacking and manipulating computer systems. The defendants allegedly promoted fraudulent online gambling platforms to deceive people into investing. This caused financial losses to individuals in Nigeria and abroad.
The authorities charged them under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act for accessing computer systems without permission and spreading false data. The police say they used the alleged digital crimes to gain money and harm others.
The prosecution also charged them with laundering money from the fraudulent activities. The alleged digital crimes extended beyond Nigeria, as the defendants moved their ill-gotten gains to other countries.
Concerns over safety and separate trial
Five Brazilian defendants asked the court for a separate trial, citing safety concerns. Their lawyer, Eric Oba, said other defendants were upset with them after they gave statements to the police. The Brazilians feared harm from the others. They also asked for their passports to be returned to the Brazilian government.
The defense lawyer also asked the court to delay the arraignment because of name discrepancies. The prosecution agreed to the adjournment but highlighted the overcrowded police holding cells.
Charges of cybercrime and money laundering
The defendants face several charges related to alleged digital crimes. These include hacking into computer networks and promoting fraudulent gambling websites. The alleged crimes caused people to lose money, and the defendants allegedly used the proceeds for money laundering. They also violated immigration laws by staying in Nigeria without valid permits.
The police say the accused used fraudulent platforms like 9f.com and c2.top to mislead people. But the accused were to profit at the expense of the victims, they added.
The court will hear more motions in the coming week. It will decide whether to separate the trial for the Brazilian defendants. The defendants must also provide their travel documents to correct discrepancies in their names.
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