Cybercrime: China Supports Conviction Of Chinese Nationals For Telecommunications And Online Fraud In Nigeria
By Bukar BOLORI
China has expressed its position on recent conviction of some Chinese nationals by Nigerian court over involvement in fraudulent practices, stating support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat telecommunications and online fraud.
China also expressed its stand by Nigeria to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with the country, including joint operations targeting online gambling, scams, and other transnational crimes to foster a more peaceful and secure cyberspace.
China, in a statement on Tuesday by it embassy in Nigeria, stated that it is vehemently against any act of criminality by Chinese abroad, urging that while China remains committed to protecting its citizens’ interests abroad but would not condone any criminality from them.
The statement read: “The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has recently noted that some Chinese nationals have been tried by Nigerian judicial authorities in connection with telecommunications and online fraud.
“The Embassy hereby states the following position regarding this matter: Over the past year, Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies stepped up efforts to combat telecommunications and arrested a large number of suspects, including some Chinese nationals. Telecommunications and online fraud represent matters of common international concern, while containing such transnational criminal activities remains a shared challenge confronting governments worldwide.
“The Chinese government maintains an unwavering stance against telecommunications and online fraud, and any form of cross-border illegal activities. This position is reinforced through stricter conduct regulations for citizens abroad and dedicated legislation efforts. The government mandates Chinese nationals overseas to strictly comply with local laws and regulations and abstain from illicit activities.
“China’s Anti-Telecommunications and Online Fraud Law, released in 2022, also demonstrates our zero-tolerance policy and resolute commitment to combating such crimes.
“Meanwhile, the Chinese government remains firmly committed to protecting its citizens’ interests abroad. Through diplomatic missions worldwide, it requests host governments to safeguard Chinese nationals’ legitimate rights and interests under local laws and regulations.”
The statement added that: “The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria supports Nigeria’s efforts to combat telecommunications and online fraud. Building on this commitment and guided by the consensus reached between Chinese and Nigerian leaders, China stands ready to strengthen law enforcement cooperation with Nigeria. This includes joint operations targeting online gambling, scams, and other transnational crimes to foster a more peaceful and secure cyberspace.”
It emphasized that such collaboration will safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese nationals in Nigeria and elevate the China-Nigeria Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to new heights.
