EFCC Returns $132,362, N78.5m to Foreign Fraud Victims

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recovered and returned $132,362 and N78.5 million to victims of international fraud, reinforcing its commitment to combating financial crimes.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) announced that it has returned a combined sum of $132,362.43 and ₦78,566,324.81 to victims from the United States, Spain, and Switzerland who were defrauded by local fraudsters.

The Commission characterized the action as a demonstration of its dedication to addressing economic and financial crimes, while also providing restitution to victims of fraudulent activities.

The EFCC’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, conducted the handover on Friday at the organization’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, as stated by the EFCC.

EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede spoke during the presentation

It further noted that Olukoyede expressed his delight, stating, “The event signifies the dedication of both the Nigerian federal government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to combating corruption and financial crimes.”

A commitment to strong governance, revitalizing the economy, and demonstrating globally that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes. A dedication to international cooperation and synergy in combating what has undeniably become a global issue of financial crime.

The statement also declared, “We are here to show that the Nigerian federal government, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is fully committed to preventing financial crimes within our system. In cases where such crimes occur, we will investigate asset involvement diligently: tracing them for recovery and prosecuting when necessary.”

We don’t merely recover; we work to compensate the victims. Today, our purpose is to make amends for those who suffered due to economic and financial crimes. It’s crucial that once crime proceeds are reclaimed, ensuring victim restitution becomes a priority.

In addition to money, vehicles and real estate were handed over to citizens of Spain, the United States of America, and Switzerland. The Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco, received a sum of $1,300 along with evidence showing that N30 million had already been transferred to the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria for further transmission to victim Maria Del Rosario San Jose.

Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer and First Secretary at the Embassy of Switzerland, received $100,011.43 (One Hundred Thousand Eleven Dollars and Forty-three Cents) on behalf of a victim named Chantai Helene Lavancy, previously known as Chantai Helene Maeder. Meanwhile, Charles Smith from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), serving at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria as Legal Attaché, collected amounts totaling $7,344 (Seven Thousand Three Hundred Forty-four Dollars); N7,963,483.35 (Seven Million Nine Hundred Sixty-three Thousand Four Hundred Eighty-three Naira Thirty-five Kobo), along with Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470.00 (Four Thousand Four Hundred Seventy Dollars). These funds are intended for transmission to another victim named Maria Jesus Brockell.