The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCc) has refunded a total amount of $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, obtained from Canadian citizens through fraudulent means by some Nigerians.
The Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede during the signing ceremony for the restitution of the recovered assets on Friday, noted that the Canadian citizens had fallen victim to cybercrimes.
According to him, the recovery and return of these assets underscored the commission’s dedication to combating financial crimes.
Speaking further, The Anti-graph agency boss noted that this event highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing financial and various other types of crime.
He said, “This is an occasion we are using to demonstrate our commitment to fighting financial crimes and to also collaborate with other countries and agencies around the world. It’s common knowledge that financial crimes have taken a new turn all across the globe.
“It has become a global problem. The people who perpetrate these crimes do so in a way that shows their activities are borderless and barbaric.
“They employ various means to ensure they move across jurisdictions. That’s why it has become very necessary and imperative for us to collaborate with our friends across the world.
“Most countries are collaborating with us in the fight against financial crimes. What you are witnessing today is a demonstration of that reinforced commitment. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police has been collaborating with us.
“This collaboration has resulted in many recoveries and the impact of joint operations.”
The anti-graft agency chairman further noted that although the operations spanned several years, they ultimately led to significant recoveries.
He said “We are here today to witness the handover of assets recovered on behalf of Canadian victims of cybercrime. The operations have taken a couple of years and have resulted in a substantial recovery,” he said.
Olukoyede stated that Nigeria should not be seen as a hub of financial and other crimes, adding that the country does not tolerate criminal activities.
He said, “It is important for us to let our colleagues and friends from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police know that Nigeria is always ready to fight financial crimes as an agency, the EFCC, and as a country. Nigeria should not necessarily be seen as a hub of financial crimes. It is a transit town, as are Canada and most countries worldwide because people move from one jurisdiction to another.
“This is also a demonstration that the Nigerian government will never tolerate any act of financial crime.”
The EFCC Chairman also pledged to investigate, prosecute, and recover assets for victims of financial crimes.
“The Nigerian government does not tolerate financial crimes. We will also pursue, investigate, recover, prosecute, and ensure that victims are restituted. That is what we are doing today,” Olukoyede noted.
Speaking on the recoveries, he said $164,000 was taken from Bogomas Elena, while one Sandra Butler was defrauded of $16,300.
He said, “In total, 53 vehicles were recovered on behalf of the victims. In one instance, $164,000 was taken from Elena, and $16,300 was also recovered. These will be handed over to the Canadian police to return to the victims.”
In providing context for the recovery process, the Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, Micheal Wetkas, stated that in 2012, the Canadian police contacted the commission concerning vehicles that had been reported stolen and were unaccounted for while in transit from Canada.
He said, “All they provided us with were the vehicle registration numbers. From there, our team quickly traced the vehicles. At one point, we realised the scale of the operation, which was quite large, and it became known as Operation Hot Wheels.
“It was a joint operation between us and Canadian police officers. This collaboration led to the recovery of the 53 vehicles handed over today. Among them, nine were tracked from a vessel transporting them abroad back to Nigeria. That is the brief story behind the operation.”
He said Bogomas’ case was a romance scam reported to the commission.
“An intelligence-led investigation was painstakingly conducted, and investigators discovered that the fraudster had used the proceeds to purchase real estate in Lagos. This property was traced, confiscated, and the assets returned.
“Today, we are celebrating the recovery of $164,000 on behalf of Bogomas. The fraudster has been convicted, and another suspect is still on trial,” he added.
In his remark, on behalf of the Canadian Police, Premier Secretary and Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, Robert Aboumitri, commended the Nigerian anti-graft agency for its efforts.
He said, “This is a testament to your professionalism and commitment to combating crime. I also cannot conclude my remarks without thanking the Government of Nigeria. If I may, Mr Executive Chairman, I’d like to add that we cover multiple countries, and many of them would be envious of the work you are doing here.
“This shows that you are one of the key partners in West Africa in the fight against crime. Thank you very much. We highly value this partnership and would like to elevate it to the highest level possible.”
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