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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday handed over 53 vehicles and $180,300 seized from the fraudsters to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of victims of financial crime in the North American country.
EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede hands over the recovered assets to RCMP representatives in Abuja.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police was represented at the event by its Regional Officer, Nasser Sadiou, and the First Secretary, Deputy High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, Mr. Robert Aboumitiri.
Olukyede said the vehicles were stolen from Canada and traced to various car dealerships in Nigeria.
He added that nine vehicles were tracked to the port where they were awaiting clearance.
According to him, $164,000 was recovered by Canadian citizen, Elena Bogomas who was the victim of a romance scam, while $16,300 was also recovered by another Canadian citizen, Sandra Butler.
The EFCC boss added that one of the fraudsters used the proceeds of his fraud to buy land and was later arrested, charged and jailed while his property was sold to recover the funds.
He said: “It is common knowledge that financial crime has taken a new direction across the world.
“The people who committed these crimes did so in a way that made us find their activities truly limitless and barbaric.
“They use all sorts of means to ensure that they move across multiple jurisdictions.
“Therefore, it is very important for us to collaborate with friends around the world. Everyone has the same goals and mandate as us.
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“What the EFCC is doing today is on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“This also shows the fact that the President has given us a mandate to reach out to ensure that this particular issue is resolved and that is what we are doing here today.
“We have recovered money and financial assets, and we have also recovered vehicles in the names of victims in Canada.
“In fact, 53 vehicles were successfully found in the names of the victims.
“In one instance, we awarded $164,000 to a Canadian victim identified as Elena Bogomas.
“We also have, which we will share with you today, another sum of $16,300 stolen from another victim known as Sandra Butler.”
Sadiou, in his remarks after signing the document on the transfer of assets that were successfully returned, thanked the government and the Corruption Eradication Committee for their efforts to eradicate corruption.
“I am very happy to be here. I feel at home. I am very happy with the recovery that is happening and we appreciate the EFCC for the work they have done.
“This is a testament to your professionalism and commitment to fighting financial crime.
“EFCC is one of the key partners in fighting financial crimes in the world and particularly in West Africa,” he said.
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