By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over a total of $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to American, Spanish, and Swiss victims of local fraudsters.
This gesture demonstrates the EFCC’s commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes and providing restitution to victims.
The handover ceremony, which took place at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, was performed by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.
Olukoyede emphasized the federal government’s commitment to fighting corruption and financial crimes, both domestically and internationally.
“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,” Olukoyede said.
In addition to the monetary restitution, Stonix News reports that the EFCC also handed over vehicles and real estate properties to the victims.
The Acting Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Maria Higon Velasco, received $1,300 and evidence of N30 million already transferred to the Embassy of Spain.
Similarly, representatives from the United States and Switzerland received significant amounts of money, as well as assets, on behalf of their citizens who were victims of fraud.
The EFCC’s efforts have been commended by the international community, with representatives from the US, Spain, and Switzerland expressing gratitude for the commission’s work in combating internet fraud and other financial crimes.
The Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Umar Ahmed, also thanked the EFCC for its efforts, stating that this development will enhance Nigeria’s credibility in the international scene and restore investors’ confidence in the country.
PHOTO Credit: EFCC’s Facebook page
What's your reaction?
