EFCC Returns Stolen $180,300 and 53 Vehicles to Canada from Nigeria
On Friday, September 6, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) returned $180,300 and 53 fraudulently obtained vehicles to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. These assets had been stolen by Nigerian cybercriminals from Canadian citizens.
During the handover ceremony, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede highlighted the commission’s dedication to combating financial crimes and the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues. He stressed that cybercrime is a global challenge, with perpetrators operating across borders, making collaboration between countries essential.
“This occasion demonstrates our commitment to fighting financial crimes and working with international partners. The people behind these crimes operate without borders, making it necessary for us to work together,” Olukoyede said. He emphasized that Nigeria should not be seen as a hub for financial crimes, adding that the country does not tolerate such activities and will continue to fight them.
Olukoyede assured that Nigeria is determined to investigate, prosecute, and recover assets for victims of financial crimes, stating, “The Nigerian government will never tolerate financial crime. We will investigate, recover, prosecute, and ensure restitution for victims.”
The recovered assets included $164,000 taken from one victim, Bogomas Elena, and $16,300 from another victim, Sandra Butler. In total, 53 vehicles were returned to Canadian authorities, some of which had been traced back to Nigeria through a joint operation with the Canadian police, dubbed “Operation Hot Wheels.”
The operation began in 2012 when Canadian authorities alerted the EFCC about vehicles stolen en route from Canada. The EFCC, through diligent investigation, successfully recovered and returned the vehicles, including nine tracked from a vessel bound for Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Canadian authorities, Premier Secretary and Deputy High Commissioner Robert Aboumitri commended the EFCC for their professionalism and collaboration. “This is a testament to your commitment to combating crime. We value this partnership and look forward to elevating it further,” he said.
This joint effort underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims.
