The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Nigeria has successfully returned $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). These assets had been fraudulently obtained from Canadian citizens by some Nigerians involved in cybercrime activities.
The handover ceremony took place on Friday, where the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the Commission’s dedication to combating financial crimes and strengthening international collaboration to tackle such offenses. He noted that cybercrime has become a global problem, with perpetrators operating across borders and using sophisticated methods to evade law enforcement. This, he said, makes international cooperation essential in the fight against financial crimes.
Ola Olukoyede stated, “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.” He highlighted the necessity for strong partnerships with global law enforcement agencies to effectively address the borderless nature of these crimes. He also praised the ongoing collaboration between the EFCC and the RCMP, which has led to several recoveries and impactful joint operations.
The assets recovered and handed over to the Canadian authorities included 53 vehicles belonging to victims of cybercrime.
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The cash returned to Canada consisted of $164,000 recovered from a victim named Elena, as well as an additional $16,300 from another case. These recovered funds and vehicles will be returned to their rightful owners by the RCMP.
The EFCC’s action in this instance is part of a broader strategy to strengthen international partnerships in the fight against financial crimes, ensuring justice for victims around the world and demonstrating its strong stance against cybercrime.
