How Chinese Cybercrime Syndicate Recruited, Trained Nigerian Youths in Lagos – Witness

A cybersecurity student, Rowland Turaki, has testified in court about how he and other Nigerian youths were recruited and trained by a Chinese cybercrime syndicate operating in Lagos. Speaking at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Turaki detailed how he was hired to assume fake identities and lure European men into fraudulent schemes.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier arrested 792 suspects, including multiple Chinese nationals, at a seven-story building known as Big Leaf on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. One of the key defendants, Hong Will, was charged alongside Genting International Company Limited with cybercrimes, cyberterrorism, identity theft, and possession of fraudulent documents.

During Friday’s court session, defense lawyer B.A. Omateno requested a postponement, citing the complexity of the case, but Justice Deinde Dipeolu rejected the motion and ordered the trial to proceed.

Turaki, testifying as the first prosecution witness, revealed that he had come across a job advertisement for a customer service role offering a ₦250,000 salary. After responding to the ad and attending an interview, he was tested on his typing speed rather than cybersecurity skills. He was hired immediately after meeting the typing requirement and was provided accommodation and transportation by the company.

He recounted that upon starting work, he was given a script detailing how to communicate with potential victims, primarily European men. The recruits were trained to present themselves as women to gain the trust of their targets. They followed strict chat templates designed to build rapport over five days before their supervisors, who were Chinese, took over the interactions.

The company also used models to authenticate video calls and further convince victims. Turaki was assigned a model named Amity Smith, whose role was to establish credibility during calls. Once trust was gained, the supervisors assumed control, and the recruits moved on to new targets.

Turaki worked for three weeks before deciding to quit due to the high-pressure environment and threats from his employers. Employees were required to meet recruitment targets or face termination without pay. Leaving the company was difficult as armed security personnel were stationed at both the work and residential premises. Employees were even restricted from leaving for medical reasons without approval.

Despite his intention to leave, Turaki was arrested alongside others during the EFCC’s December 10 operation.

Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial to March 18.