In a significant collaborative effort to combat financial crimes, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over 53 recovered vehicles and $180,300 to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for the benefit of victims of fraud in Canada. The assets were presented to the RCMP representatives in Abuja on Friday, September 6, by EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
According to Olukoyede, the recovered vehicles had been stolen from Canada and traced to various car dealerships across Nigeria. Nine of the vehicles were also located at customs ports, awaiting clearance. The EFCC, in cooperation with Canadian authorities, ensured the successful recovery of these assets.
In addition to the vehicles, the EFCC also recovered $164,000 for a Canadian citizen, Elena Bogomas, who had fallen victim to a romance scam. Another $16,300 was recovered for Sandra Butler, also a Canadian victim of fraud.
Olukoyede revealed that one of the fraudsters involved used his illicit gains to purchase an estate, which was seized, sold, and the proceeds used to compensate the victims. The criminal was arrested, prosecuted, and jailed, demonstrating the EFCC’s commitment to justice.
“It’s common knowledge that financial crimes have taken a new turn all across the globe,” Olukoyede remarked, underscoring the international nature of financial crimes and the importance of cooperation between nations in tackling such issues.
The handover marks another victory in the ongoing global fight against financial fraud, with Nigeria and Canada working together to bring justice to the victims.
