Court Issues Final Forfeiture Ruling for $222,729.86 USDT Seized from Chinese Nation

Court Issues Final Forfeiture Ruling for $222,729.86 USDT Seized from Chinese Nationals in Lagos


The court order for the final forfeiture of $222,729.86 USDT to the Federal Government of Nigeria was made by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos on July 21, 2025. This amount was recovered from Chinese nationals who were part of a larger group of 792 suspects involved in cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The assets are a part of the total funds confiscated during the "Eagle Flush Operation," a major operation carried out by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 10, 2024.

The EFCC had filed an ex parte motion on July 18, 2025, which was heard and granted by the court, leading to the final forfeiture order. The operation had initially targeted crypto currency investment and romance scams, with the suspects being apprehended in various locations across Lagos.

The successful forfeiture is indicative of the ongoing efforts by the EFCC to combat cybercrime and recover ill-gotten funds from perpetrators of internet fraud, including those who engage in cyber-terrorism activities. It also underscores the commission's commitment to ensuring that the country's financial system remains secure and that those who seek to exploit it for illegal purposes are brought to justice and their assets confiscated.

The exact details of the crimes committed by the Chinese nationals were not provided in the statement, but it is clear that they were part of a significant network that was using digital assets as a means of facilitating their nefarious activities. The forfeiture of these funds serves as a warning to others involved in such schemes, as well as a deterrent to potential cybercriminals.

The case will likely continue with further investigations into the activities of the 792 suspects, and possibly the identification and prosecution of other members of the syndicate who may be at large. The EFCC's success in this instance is a positive step in the fight against cybercrime in Nigeria and showcases the agency's effectiveness in collaborating with international partners to track and recover illegally obtained funds.