EFCC returns $180,300, 53 vehicles recovered from fraudster to Canada

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over $180,300 and 53 vehicles recovered from Nigerian cybercriminals to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The assets were stolen from Canadian citizens.

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, stressed the importance of international collaboration in fighting financial crimes.

He stated that the recovered funds and vehicles are the result of a multi-year investigation conducted jointly by the EFCC and the RCMP.

Olukoyede assured the Canadian authorities that Nigeria is committed to combating financial crimes and will not be seen as a haven for criminal activity.

He pledged to continue investigating, prosecuting, and recovering assets for victims of such crimes.

Among the recovered assets, $164,000 was taken from Bogomas Elena and $16,300 was recovered from Sandra Butler. The vehicles and funds will be returned to the victims in Canada.

The vehicles were traced through a joint operation codenamed “Operation Hot Wheels.” Some of the vehicles were even intercepted while being shipped out of the country.

The EFCC also recovered real estate purchased with stolen funds from a romance scam targeting Bogomas. The perpetrator has been convicted, and another suspect is on trial.

Micheal Wetkas, Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, provided background on the recovery process, describing it as a large-scale operation known as Operation Hot Wheels.

He said that the operation involved tracing stolen vehicles and recovering them with the assistance of the Canadian police.

Canadian Deputy High Commissioner Robert Aboumitri praised the EFCC’s efforts, calling it a testament to their professionalism and commitment.

He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and stressed the importance of their partnership in the fight against crime.