The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, representing funds recovered on behalf of victims of financial crimes in Canada. Additionally, 53 vehicles that were stolen in Canada and transported to Nigeria have also been recovered and returned.
While handing over the assets, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukayode revealed that $164,000 of the recovered funds were stolen from a Canadian woman, Elena Bogomas, in a romance scam, while $16,300 was stolen from Sandra Butler. Olukayode noted that one of the fraudsters had used his illicit gains to purchase an estate; he was subsequently arrested, prosecuted, and jailed, and his properties were sold to recover the stolen funds.
Emphasizing the EFCC’s commitment to combating cross-border financial crimes, Olukayode stated, “Financial crimes have become a global problem. The perpetrators use various methods to operate across multiple jurisdictions. This necessitates collaboration with international partners who share similar objectives.”
He also reiterated Nigeria’s zero-tolerance policy for financial crimes, adding, “The Nigerian government is committed to investigating, recovering assets, prosecuting offenders, and ensuring restitution for victims.”
Nasser Sadiou, the regional officer for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, expressed gratitude to the EFCC, stating, “I am very happy with the recovery and appreciate the job done by the EFCC,” He said.
