The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday handed over $180,300 and 53 vehicles, fraudulently obtained by some Nigerians from Canadian citizens, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The event was held during a formal handover ceremony in Lagos, where EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, emphasized the agency’s commitment to fighting financial crimes and highlighted the importance of international collaboration.
Olukoyede stated, “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.” He noted that perpetrators often operate across borders, making it essential for nations to work together to combat these crimes.
The EFCC Chairman underscored that financial crimes have become a global issue, with criminals employing various methods to evade detection. “The people who perpetrate these crimes do so in a way that shows their activities are borderless and barbaric,” Olukoyede explained. “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.”
During the operation, a significant recovery was made. “Most countries are collaborating with us in the fight against financial crimes. What you are witnessing today is a demonstration of that reinforced commitment,” he said, adding that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police played a crucial role in the investigation. The collaboration resulted in substantial recoveries over the years, culminating in the handover of the assets on Friday.
READ ALSO: Canada Contributes $23 Million for Oxygen Plants in Nigeria
Olukoyede further explained that Nigeria should not be viewed as a hub for financial crimes. “Nigeria should not necessarily be seen as a hub of financial crimes.
It is a transit town, as are Canada and most countries across the world because people move from one jurisdiction to another,” he remarked. He reiterated that the Nigerian government does not tolerate such activities and will continue to investigate, prosecute, and recover assets for victims.
The EFCC chairman provided details on the recoveries, noting that $164,000 was taken from a Canadian victim, Bogomas Elena, while another victim, Sandra Butler, was defrauded of $16,300. “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 stated.
Micheal Wetkas, the Zonal Director of the Lagos Directorate, shed light on the operation’s background. He explained that the Canadian police approached the EFCC in 2012 after several vehicles went missing while being transported from Canada. The EFCC quickly traced the vehicles, which led to the discovery of a larger criminal operation. “At one point, we realized the scale of the operation, which was quite large, and it became known as Operation Hot Wheels,” Wetkas said. “It was a joint operation between us and Canadian police officers. This collaboration led to the recovery of the 53 vehicles handed over today.”
Wetkas also mentioned that the fraudster who scammed Bogomas Elena had purchased real estate in Lagos with the stolen funds. The EFCC managed to trace and confiscate the property, ensuring that the assets were returned to the rightful owner. “The fraudster has been convicted, and another suspect is still on trial,” Wetkas added.
Speaking on behalf of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Robert Aboumitri, the Premier Secretary and Deputy High Commissioner of Canada, praised the EFCC’s efforts in fighting financial crimes. “This is a testament to your professionalism and commitment to combating crime. I also cannot conclude my remarks without thanking the Government of Nigeria. If I may, Mr. Executive Chairman, I’d like to add that we cover multiple countries, and many of them would be envious of the work you are doing here,” Aboumitri said. He expressed gratitude for the partnership between Nigeria and Canada, noting that they would continue to strengthen their collaboration. “This shows that you are one of the key partners in West Africa in the fight against crime. Thank you very much. We highly value this partnership and would like to elevate it to the highest level possible,” he concluded.
