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 fraudsters.
The agency said it was a mark of its commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes and offering restitution to the victims of fraudulent practices.
The handover, which was performed by the chairman of the commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, took place yesterday at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
Olukoyede said, “The event is a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes. A commitment to good governance, a commitment to stimulating the economy and a commitment to prove to the entire world that Nigeria is not a safe haven for financial crimes, 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 were vehicles and real estate 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.
Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer, First Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland received $100,011.43 on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy, formerly known as Chantai Helene Maeder.
Charles Smith, Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Embassy of the United States, received the sum of $7,344, N7,963,483.35 and Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470.00 on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell.
Also received by Smith was a Mercedes Benz E550 4Matic Chasis 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 United States Embassy in Nigeria 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 United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Cheryle Williams.
Smith also received the sum of N32,639,358.11 on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Marva Marrow.
In her remarks, Velasco expressed gratitude, adding, “This is a sign of the collaboration between Nigeria and Spain and we are very grateful for this collaboration.”
