The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has returned $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), assets that were fraudulently obtained from Canadian citizens.
The handover took place during a ceremony on Friday, where EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized the significance of international cooperation in combating financial crimes.
Olukoyede highlighted that the Canadians were victims of cybercrimes, specifically mentioning that the recovered funds were linked to a romance scam and other fraudulent activities. He reaffirmed the EFCC's commitment to addressing financial crimes.
The EFCC Chairman noted that the operations leading to the recovery of these assets spanned several years and involved extensive collaboration with Canadian authorities.
He pointed out the global nature of financial crimes, which often transcend borders, necessitating cooperative efforts among nations to effectively tackle such issues.
In his remarks, Olukoyede stressed that Nigeria should not be perceived solely as a hub for financial crimes but rather as a transit point, similar to many countries worldwide.
He assured the Canadian authorities that Nigeria remains steadfast in its fight against financial misconduct, stating, "The Nigerian government does not tolerate financial crimes."
Among the recovered assets, $164,000 was taken from Canadian citizen Elena Bogomas, while another $16,300 was recovered for Sandra Butler. The vehicles were tracked down through a joint operation known as "Operation Hot Wheels," which involved meticulous investigative work by both the EFCC and the RCMP.
Micheal Wetkas, Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, provided insight into the operation, explaining that the Canadian police first contacted the EFCC in 2012 regarding stolen vehicles.
Canadian Deputy High Commissioner Robert Aboumitri commended the EFCC for its professionalism and commitment to combating crime, expressing gratitude for the partnership between the two countries.
