The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday returned $132,362.43 and N78,566, 324.81 to American, Spanish and Swiss victims of local fraudsters.
It said the gesture underscored the commitment of the agency to offering restitution to victims of fraudulent practices.
A statement by the Head, Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Dele Oyewale, said the handing over, was performed by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, at the EFCC’s headquarters, Abuja.
Olukoyede said: “The event is a demonstration of the commitment of the Federal Government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Ahmed 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.
“We are here to demonstrate that the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), is ready to do everything possible to prevent financial crimes from being perpetrated in our system, and when one has taken place, to investigate where assets are involved, to trace, to recover and, where necessary, prosecute.
“We don’t just recover, we restitute the victims. We are here this morning to restitute those who were victimised through the perpetration of economic and financial crimes.
“It is important to know that once proceeds of crime are recovered, the most responsible thing to do is to restitute the victims.”
Other recovered items also returned to their owners include vehicles and real estate to citizens of Spain, United States of America and Switzerland.
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Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco, received the sum of $1,300 and an evidence of N30 million already transferred to the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose.
The Senior Political Officer, First Secretary, Embassy of Switzerland, Florent Geel, received $100,011.43 on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy, formerly known as Chantai Helene Maeder.
Also Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, Embassy of the United States, Charles Smith, 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, with 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.
Lastly, Smith received 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, her Excellency Velasco, expressed gratitude, adding: “This is a sign of the collaboration between Nigeria and Spain, and we are very grateful for this collaboration.”
Smith, who represented the United States, said: “As the FBI Legal Attache and the representative of the US Government, I want to say we personally appreciate this.
“Many here may not understand what the impact this does to the victims. This gives them complete closure and it allows them to feel whole again.
“So we really do appreciate and we thank the EFCC. The EFCC is just not operating in Nigeria. The EFCC is a major global contender and you should recognise that every time.”
On behalf of the government of Switzerland, Geel thanked the government of Nigeria and the EFCC for the recovery and restitution.
“I thank the Nigerian Government and especially the EFCC for the work they have done to combat internet fraud and other financial crimes.
“Today’s restitution of money obtained from a Swiss citizen demonstrates the effectiveness but also integrity, professionalism, courage and collaboration that occur between Nigeria and Switzerland.
“So, thank you for this exemplary collaboration and work in making the digital world safer and better regulated.
“Switzerland will continue to work alongside the Nigeria government in the service of the security of our respective people. So thank you again,” Geel said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Umar Ahmed, thanked Olukoyede for his efforts in the anti-corruption fight and conveyed the felicitation of the Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and the ministry to the EFCC and the Nigerian government.
According to him, “This is really an unprecedented development, and you cannot believe the impact that this development will have on the mandate of the ministry, because it makes our work a whole lot easier, because it really enhances the credibility of Nigeria in the international scene. And it will also go a long way in restoring investors’ confidence in the country.
“The ministry is very well with you in pursuing this mandate and wants to thank you for this initiative. It demonstrates the support of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the fight against corruption and also in strengthening the EFCC in carrying out its mandate.
“All of us in the ministry are really happy with this development and we’ll keep on working with you and supporting you and in carrying your mandate.”