Fraud victims from the US, Spain, and Switzerland have received a total of $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 back from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Its dedication to combating financial and economic crimes is demonstrated by this gesture.
As part of the EFCC’s mission to provide justice and reparations for victims of fraudulent operations, the money that was collected from local scammers was given to the overseas victims.
The commission took the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to finding financial criminals and retrieving funds that have been stolen, emphasizing that such actions enhance Nigeria’s reputation in the international battle against financial crimes.
This most recent recovery and restitution strengthen the EFCC’s position as a frontrunner in the battle against corruption and demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding local and foreign victims of fraud.
“The event is a demonstration of the federal government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes,” said Mr. Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, who conducted the handover yesterday in Jabi, Abuja, in a statement posted on its X handle.
Additionally, Olukoyede stated that it is evidence to the world that Nigeria is not a refuge for financial crimes and a testament to the administration’s dedication to good governance and economic stimulation.
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He continued speaking. We are here to show that the Nigerian federal government, acting through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is prepared to take all necessary steps to stop financial crimes from occurring within our system. And if one has occurred, to look into the assets involved, to track down, to retrieve, and if required, to bring charges.
“We restore the victims, not just recover them. Restitution for people harmed by economic and financial wrongdoing is the reason we are here this morning. It is crucial to understand that returning the victims to their homes is the most appropriate course of action when the proceeds of crime have been collected.
Cars and real estate belonging to Spanish, American, and Swiss nationals are also given over, in addition to cash.
Maria Higon Velasco, the acting ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, was given $1,300 (one thousand three hundred dollars) and proof that N30 million had already been sent to the Spanish Embassy in Nigeria so that it could be given to Maria Del Rosario San Jose, a victim.
Charles Smith, Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Embassy of the United States, received $7,344; N7,963,483.35 and $4,470.00 in Bitcoin cryptocurrency on behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria for subsequent transfer to a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell, while Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer, First Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland, received $100,011.43 on behalf of a victim from Switzerland.
