The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday handed over $180,300 and 53 fraudulently obtained vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of Canadian citizens defrauded by Nigerian cybercriminals.
During the signing ceremony, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized the commission’s commitment to fighting financial crimes and the importance of international collaboration in addressing these issues.
He noted that financial crimes have become global, with criminals operating across borders, making cooperation between countries essential.
Olukoyede explained that the recovery efforts, which spanned several years, resulted in substantial assets being returned to the victims. He also reiterated that Nigeria is not a hub for financial crimes and that the government will not tolerate such activities.
The Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, Micheal Wetkas, provided background on the case, revealing that the RCMP initially contacted the EFCC in 2012 regarding missing vehicles from Canada. This led to a joint operation, “Operation Hot Wheels,” which ultimately recovered the 53 vehicles.
The Canadian Premier Secretary and Deputy High Commissioner, Robert Aboumitri, commended the EFCC for its professionalism and commitment to combating crime, highlighting Nigeria’s key role in fighting transnational crime in West Africa.
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