EFCC returns over $132,000, N78.5m to fraud victims in US, Spain, Switzerland
Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chairman, said on Friday in Abuja that the funds were recovered from internet fraudsters.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to fraud victims from the United States, Spain, and Switzerland.
Ola Olukoyede, the EFCC chairman, said on Friday in Abuja that the funds were recovered from local fraudsters.
He noted that the restitution aligns with the commission’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of financial crimes.
“The event is a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes,” Olukoyede said.
“A commitment to good governance, a commitment to stimulating the economy and a commitment to prove to the entire world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes, a commitment to international cooperation and international synergy in the fight against financial crimes, which you will agree with me, has become a global crime.”
In addition to cash refunds, other assets, including vehicles and real estate documents, were handed over to representatives of the affected countries.
“We don’t just recover; we restitute the victims. Our goal is to return stolen assets to those who suffered financial losses,” Olukoyede said.
At the event, Maria Velasco, Spain’s acting ambassador to Nigeria, received $1,300 and confirmation of a N30 million transfer to the Spanish embassy for a victim, Maria San Jose.
Florent Geel, senior political officer at the Swiss embassy, collected $100,011.43 on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy.
Charles Smith, legal attaché at the US embassy’s FBI office, received $7,344, N7,963,483.35, and Bitcoin valued at $4,470 for a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell.
Smith commended the EFCC for its commitment to asset recovery, describing it as crucial for providing closure to fraud victims. Velasco and Geel also expressed gratitude, highlighting the collaboration between Nigeria and their respective countries.
Umar Ahmed, the Permanent secretary at the ministry of foreign affairs, praised the EFCC’s efforts, calling the development “unprecedented” and a boost to Nigeria’s international credibility and investor confidence.
