The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully transferred a total of $180,300 and 53 vehicles, fraudulently obtained from Canadian citizens by certain Nigerians, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
This restitution was part of a broader effort to combat financial crimes and highlighted the importance of international cooperation.
During the signing ceremony for the restitution of the recovered assets, EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede remarked, "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 emphasized that financial crimes have become a global problem, necessitating cross-border collaboration.
The operation, which spanned several years, was a joint effort between the EFCC and Canadian police officers. Known as "Operation Hot Wheels," it involved tracing stolen vehicles reported by the Canadian police in 2012.
Micheal Wetkas, Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, explained, "All they provided us with were the vehicle registration numbers. From there, our team quickly traced the vehicles."
Among the recovered assets, $164,000 was taken from Bogomas Elena, while Sandra Butler was defrauded of $16,300.
The EFCC Chairman noted, "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."
Robert Aboumitri, Premier Secretary and Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, commended the Nigerian anti-graft agency for its efforts, stating, "This is a testament to your professionalism and commitment to combating crime. We highly value this partnership and would like to elevate it to the highest level possible."
Olukoyede assured that Nigeria does not tolerate financial crimes and pledged to continue investigating, prosecuting, and recovering assets for victims.
He stated, "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."
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