On Friday, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede handed over a total of $180,300 and 53 vehicles that were fraudulently taken by some Nigerian fraudsters from Canadian Citizens back to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
News About Nigeria reports that the EFCC boss noted that the Canadians who were defrauded by the Nigerians are victims of cybercrimes.
While speaking at the handover, Olukoyede revealed that $164,000 was taken from one Bogomas Elena, while another Sandra Butler was defrauded of $16,300.
Giving details, he disclosed that Bogomas’ case was that of romance, as she was defrauded by a supposed lover.
The anti-graft agency boss further noted that the perpetrators of the crime have been apprehended and convicted.
Olukayode 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. 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.
“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.”
While pledging the Commission’s continuous effort towards ensuring that they rid the nation of financial crime, Olukayode noted that the recovery of the items shows how much the EFCC is fighting such crimes.
He further noted that they would also be partnering with other agencies and countries to achieve this goal.
