EFCC returns 53 stolen vehicles, $180,300 to Canadian authorities

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday returned $180,300 and 53 vehicles, fraudulently obtained by Nigerian criminals from Canadian citizens, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The handover marked the culmination of years of investigations and collaboration between both nations to combat cybercrime and financial fraud.

Speaking during the ceremony, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasised the significance of the event in demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to fighting financial crimes and the importance of international cooperation.

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. It’s common knowledge that financial crimes have taken a new turn all across the globe.”

Olukoyede stressed that cybercriminals operate across borders, making global collaboration essential. “They employ various means to ensure they move across jurisdictions. That’s why it has become very necessary and imperative for us to collaborate with our friends across the world,” he said, noting that the RCMP had been instrumental in the joint operations that led to the recovery.

The Chairman explained that while these operations spanned several years, they resulted in significant recoveries, including $164,000 stolen from a Canadian citizen, Bogomas Elena, and $16,300 defrauded from another victim, Sandra Butler.

“In total, 53 vehicles were recovered on behalf of the victims. In one instance, $164,000 was taken from Elena, and $16,300 was also recovered. These will be handed over to the Canadian police to return to the victims,” Olukoyede added.

Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, Micheal Wetkas, provided further background, recounting how Canadian authorities initially approached the EFCC in 2012 regarding stolen vehicles.

Through an intelligence-led investigation, the EFCC was able to trace and recover the vehicles in what became known as “Operation Hot Wheels.”

Wetkas also highlighted the recovery of assets in a romance scam case involving Bogomas, in which the proceeds were used to purchase real estate in Lagos.

“An intelligence-led investigation was painstakingly conducted, and investigators discovered that the fraudster had used the proceeds to purchase real estate in Lagos. This property was traced, confiscated, and the assets returned.

“Today, we are celebrating the recovery of $164,000 on behalf of Bogomas. The fraudster has been convicted, and another suspect is still on trial,” he added.

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