The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a total sum of $120,548.43 and N70,602,841.46 to American, Spanish and Swiss victims of local fraudsters.
The EFCC said the handover is a gesture of its commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes and, offering restitution to victims of fraudulent practices.
Speaking at the handover on Friday at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede said the event demonstrates President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to the fight against corruption and financial crimes.
Olukoyede further said the restitution marked a commitment to good governance, stimulation of the economy and measure to prove that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes.
He further described it as a “commitment to international cooperation and international synergy in the fight against financial crimes, which you will agree with me, has become a global crime.”
Handed over in addition to the money are vehicles and real estate which were returned to citizens of Spain, United States of America and Switzerland.
Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco received the sum of $1,300 and evidence of N30 million already transferred to the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose.
Also, Senior Political Officer, First Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland, Florent Geel, received $100,011.43 on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy, formerly known as Chantai Helene Maeder.
Similarly, Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Embassy of the United States, Charles Smith received the sum of $7,344; N7,963,483.35 and Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470.00 on behalf of the US Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell.
Also received by Smith was Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Chasis with No:WDDHF9AB6AA111112; Mercedes Benz C450 AMG with Chasis No: WDD20J0641F282467, and one residential bungalow, located at 17/19 Seaman Street, Unguwar Maigero, Kaduna, Kaduna State on behalf of the Embassy for onward transmission to the crime victim.
Additionally, Smith received the sum of $7,527 on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the victim of the crime, Michael Smith.
He also received the sum of $11,710.00 on behalf of the US Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Cheryle Williams.
Lastly, Smith received the sum of N32,639,358.11 for onward transmission to the crime victim, Marva Marrow.
In her remarks, Velasco expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and the anti-graft agency, saying, “This is a sign of the collaboration between Nigeria and Spain, and we are very grateful for this collaboration.”
