EFCC returns $132,362 , N78.5m to foreign fraud victims

According to the EFCC, this restitution reflects its commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring justice for fraud victims.

The handover ceremony was conducted by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, yesterday at the Commission’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

Olukoyede emphasized that the event underscores the Nigerian government’s dedication, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to eradicating corruption, strengthening good governance, and reinforcing international cooperation in tackling financial crimes.

“This initiative proves that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes. It also highlights our commitment to economic growth, international collaboration, and ensuring that fraud victims receive justice,” Olukoyede stated.

The EFCC further reiterated its resolve to investigate financial crimes, recover stolen assets, and prosecute offenders. “Beyond recovery, our priority is restitution. It is our responsibility to return the proceeds of crime to the rightful victims,” the statement read.

As part of the restitution, various assets, including funds, vehicles, and real estate, were handed over to representatives of the affected countries:

– Spain: Acting Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco, received $1,300 and confirmation of N30 million transferred to the Spanish Embassy for victim Maria Del Rosario San Jose.

– Switzerland: Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer at the Swiss Embassy, received $100,011.43 on behalf of victim Chantai Helene Lavancy (formerly Chantai Helene Maeder).

– United States: Charles Smith, Legal Attaché at the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), received:
– $7,344, N7,963,483.35, and Bitcoin worth $4,470 for victim Maria Jesus Brockell.
– A Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic, a Mercedes Benz C450 AMG, and a residential bungalow in Kaduna for another crime victim.
– $7,527 for victim Michael Smith.
– $11,710 for victim Cheryle Williams.
– N32,639,358.11 for victim Marva Marrow.

Expressing appreciation, Ambassador Velasco lauded the collaboration between Nigeria and Spain, while FBI representative Smith commended the EFCC’s role in securing justice for victims.

“This act gives victims closure and restores their trust. The EFCC is not just active in Nigeria; it is a global force in fighting financial crime,” he remarked.

On behalf of Switzerland, Geel also lauded the EFCC’s efforts, stating that the restitution highlights Nigeria’s dedication to combating cyber fraud and financial crimes.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Umar Ahmed, acknowledged the significance of the initiative, emphasizing its positive impact on Nigeria’s international credibility and investor confidence. He assured continued support for the EFCC’s mission, reinforcing the government’s stance against corruption.