PHOTOS: EFCC hands over $132,362, N78.5m to foreign victims of fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a total sum of $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to American, Spanish, and Swiss victims of local fraudsters.

The handover, which was performed by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, took place on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

Olukoyede observed that the event is a demonstration of the commitment of the Federal Government and the administration of President Bola Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes.

He said,”A commitment to good governance, a commitment to stimulating the economy, and a commitment to proving 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 victimized 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.”
Handed over, in addition to money, are vehicles and real estate to citizens of Spain, the United States of America, and Switzerland.

The acting ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco, received the sum of $1,300 and evidence of N30 million already transferred to the Embassy of Spain in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Del Rosario San Jose.

Florent Geel, Senior Political Officer and First Secretary at the Embassy of Switzerland received $100,011.43 on behalf of a victim, Chantai Helene Lavancy, formerly known as Chantai Helene Maeder.

Charles Smith, Legal Attaché at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Embassy of the United States, received the sum of $7,344; N7,963,483.35; and Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470 on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to a victim, Maria Jesus Brockell.

Also received by Smith were a Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, Chassis No: WDDHF9AB6AA111112; a Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG, Chassis 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 on behalf of the United States Embassy in Nigeria for onward transmission to the crime victim, Cheryle Williams.

Lastly, Smith received the sum of 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.

“As the FBI Legal Attaché and the representative of the U.S. government, I want to say we personally appreciate this. Many here may not understand what impact this has on the victims. This gives them complete closure and allows them to feel whole again. So we really do appreciate and thank the EFCC. The EFCC is not just operating in Nigeria; the EFCC is a major global contender, and you should recognize 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 effectiveness, as well as integrity, professionalism, courage, and collaboration 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 Nigerian government in the service of the security of our respective people. So, thank you again,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Umar Ahmed, thanked Olukoyede for his efforts in the anti-corruption fight and conveyed the felicitations of the Honorable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the ministry to the EFCC and the Nigerian government.

He said, “This is really an unprecedented development, and you cannot believe the impact that this will have on the mandate of the ministry because it makes our work a whole lot easier. It really enhances the credibility of Nigeria on the international scene, and it will also go a long way in restoring investors’ confidence in the country.

“The ministry fully supports you in pursuing this mandate, and we want to thank you for this initiative.

“It demonstrates the support of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in the fight against corruption and in strengthening the EFCC in carrying out its mandate. All of us in the ministry are really happy with this development, and we will keep working with you and supporting you in carrying out your mandate.”