A cyber security student, Rowland Turaki, has exposed a shocking web of deception in the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, revealing how his Chinese employer, Xiao Hong Will, allegedly forced him to disguise as a woman to scam unsuspecting victims.
Turaki, testifying as the first prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Xiao Hong Will, narrated how he was lured into the fraudulent operation under the pretense of a well-paying job. The accused, a Chinese national, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for cyber terrorism and internet fraud.
The case stems from a large-scale bust on December 19, 2024, when the EFCC conducted a surprise operation, code-named “Eagle Flush Operation,” in Lagos. This raid led to the arrest of 792 suspects linked to cryptocurrency investment and romance scams. Xiao Hong Will was later charged alongside his company, Genting International Co. Ltd., on January 31, 2025.
A Job Offer That Led to a Scam
Turaki recalled how he came across an advertisement for a customer service position on Jiji.ng in November 2024. The job promised a lucrative salary of N250,000 per month. Eager to secure employment, he followed the instructions and was added to a WhatsApp group, where he received details about an interview at 7, Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“The only test they conducted was on typing speed. I expected follow-up questions, but there were none,” Turaki told the court. “Once I passed, I was immediately hired, given company rules, and briefed on salary and accommodation arrangements.”
However, the reality of the job was far from what he had anticipated. Turaki explained that new employees were provided with scripts containing pre-written messages, which they were required to memorize. Their task was to pose as women and establish trust with foreign clients through online chats.
“I was given a chat template which involved befriending clients and earning their trust. I was specifically instructed to present myself as a woman,” he said. “We were prohibited from deviating from the script.”
A Carefully Orchestrated Deception
According to Turaki, employees were assigned multiple targets—mostly men from European countries—and were given five days to gain their trust. The company even employed models to provide photographs and videos that would convince clients during video calls.
“The name of the model assigned to me was Amity Smith. Her job was to make the deception more convincing,” he testified. “Once the target fully trusted us, we were told to stop chatting, and our employers took over from there.”
The pressure to deliver results was immense. Turaki revealed that workers faced harsh deadlines, threats of dismissal without pay, and even fines if they failed to meet their targets.
“I hadn’t gotten the required number of clients, and the pressure kept increasing. I was scared of being sacked without pay,” he said. “When I expressed my desire to leave, I was told that resigning required a 15-day notice, or I would leave empty-handed.”
Security, Intimidation, and a Foiled Escape
Turaki further disclosed that the company operated under tight security, making it nearly impossible for employees to escape.
“My employer had armed police officers stationed at both the office and the accommodation premises. Given the level of security, I didn’t think it was safe to flee,” he told the court. “I wanted to leave, but unfortunately, before I could do so, the EFCC arrested us.”
Xiao Hong Will and Genting International Co. Ltd. are now facing three charges, including cybercrimes, cyber terrorism, and identity theft. The prosecution has argued that the defendants used young Nigerians to carry out large-scale financial fraud, in direct violation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended in 2024).
One of the charges reads: ‘XIAO HONG WILL and GENTING INTERNATIONAL CO. LIMITED, on or about December 18, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, willfully caused computer systems to be accessed in a manner that seriously destabilized Nigeria’s constitutional structure by employing Nigerian youths for identity theft and falsely presenting themselves as foreign nationals, with the intent to gain financial advantage.’
The accused has pleaded not guilty.
Legal Battle Continues
During the hearing, EFCC counsel Bilkisu Buhari stated that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the trial. However, the defense lawyer, B.A. Omateno, argued that the case was complex and needed more time for cross-examination.
Justice D.I. Dipeolu, however, ruled that the defense’s argument was not strong enough to delay proceedings. The case has been adjourned until March 18, 2025, for continuation of trial.