… Demonstrates Commitment to Fighting Financial Crimes
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a total of $180,300 and 53 vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which were stolen from Canadian citizens by some Nigerians. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stated that the recovery and return of the assets demonstrate the commission’s commitment to fighting financial crimes and collaborating with international agencies.
Olukoyede noted that the operations, which spanned several years, resulted in significant recoveries and emphasized the need for countries to collaborate to tackle financial and other forms of crime. He said, “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. Financial crimes have become a global problem, and it’s common knowledge that the people who perpetrate these crimes do so in a way that shows their activities are borderless and barbaric.”
The EFCC Chairman also pledged to investigate, prosecute, and recover assets for victims of financial crimes, saying, “The Nigerian government does not tolerate financial crimes. Not only that, we will pursue, investigate, recover, prosecute, and ensure that victims are restituted. We are here today to witness the handover of assets recovered on behalf of Canadian victims of cybercrime.”
Olukoyede stated that Nigeria should not be seen as a hub of financial and other crimes, adding that the country does not tolerate criminal activities. He said, “It is important for us to let our colleagues and friends from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police know that as an agency, the EFCC, and as a country, Nigeria is always ready to fight financial crimes. Nigeria should not necessarily be seen as a hub of financial crimes. It is a transit town, as are Canada and most countries across the world because people move from one jurisdiction to another.”
Premier Secretary and Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, Robert Aboumitri, commended the EFCC for their efforts, saying, “This is a testament to your professionalism and commitment to combating crime. I also cannot conclude my remarks without thanking the Government of Nigeria. If I may, Mr Executive Chairman, I’d like to add that we cover multiple countries, and many of them would be envious of the work you are doing here. This shows that you are one of the key partners in West Africa in the fight against crime. Thank you very much. We highly value this partnership and would like to elevate it to the highest level possible.”
The recoveries included $164,000 taken from Bogomas Elena and $16,300 from Sandra Butler. The EFCC also recovered 53 vehicles on behalf of the victims, with nine tracked from a vessel transporting them abroad back to Nigeria. The operation, dubbed “Operation Hot Wheels,” was a joint effort between the EFCC and the Canadian police.