EFCC Secures Court Order to Seize 73 Properties in Major Cybercrime Crackdown

In a significant move against cybercrime, Justice Deinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) an order for the interim forfeiture of 73 properties linked to suspected computer-related fraud and money laundering activities. The order, issued on April 23, 2025, targets assets associated with Genting International Co., a firm allegedly operated by a syndicate led by Chinese nationals.

The forfeited items encompass a wide array of equipment and furnishings, including 1,596 computers/laptops, 4,091 mobile phones, 350 foreign SIM cards, 3,399 Nigerian SIM cards (1,122 MTN, 316 9mobile, 1,277 Airtel, 684 Glo), 194 routers, 205 sofas, 501 double-step bunks, 754 mattresses, 40 refrigerators, 10 microwaves, and 2 whiteboards. Additional assets include 16 inverter batteries, 14 inverters, 43 CPUs/monitors, a ring light, 2 fuel tanks, a transformer, 7 vehicles, 411 deep freezers, 13 electric kettles, 21 UPS units, a toaster, an air fryer, 558 office tables, 2 TVs, a network server, 6 gas cylinders, a blender, 3 weight scales, a spiral dough mixer, 2 double-burner stoves, and a dining set.

The court has mandated the EFCC to publish the forfeiture order in a national newspaper, inviting interested parties to appear within 14 days to present reasons why a final forfeiture order should not be granted in favor of the Federal Government.

This development follows a sting operation conducted on December 10, 2024, at No. 7 Oyinjolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos—believed to be the syndicate’s headquarters. The operation led to the arrest of 761 suspects, both foreign and Nigerian. However, the suspected leaders and financiers remain at large, with the EFCC actively pursuing them.

The EFCC filed the application under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction. The Commission emphasized the public interest and the necessity to thoroughly investigate the growing menace of cybercrime and money laundering in Nigeria.

This case underscores the EFCC’s commitment to combating cybercrime and its associated financial crimes, aiming to dismantle networks that exploit technology for fraudulent activities.