The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has transferred $22,000, recovered from a convicted fraudster, to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
This move highlights the EFCC’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation in combating financial crimes. The recovered funds were part of a larger fraud scheme, and the handover to the FBI ensures that the money can be returned to the victims of the fraud.
During the handover ceremony in Lagos, Michael T. Wetkas, the Acting Director of the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC, reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to combating financial crimes and restoring integrity to the nation.
“We are delighted to be handing over these proceeds of crime today. The EFCC is always willing and ready to do more.”
A total sum of $22,000, recovered from convicted internet fraudster Hakeem Ayotunde Olanrewaju, was handed over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This action exemplifies the EFCC’s commitment to international cooperation in combating financial crimes and ensuring that fraud victims receive justice.
In response, FBI Legal Attaché Charles Smith remarked, “The EFCC and FBI work collaboratively, and it is thanks to the EFCC that we can recover funds like these, especially from Business Email Compromise (BEC). This type of crime cripples businesses in the US, and recovering the money within one to two years gives hope to the affected companies and brings some level of justice, even if not all perpetrators have been identified.”
“We appreciate this on behalf of the FBI and thank the EFCC for their cooperation,” said FBI Legal Attaché Charles Smith.
In attendance at the event were the Head of Public Affairs, Lagos, DCE Ayo Oyewole; Head of Investigation, ACE I Deborah Oni and Head of Advance Fee Fraud 1, CSE Alex Ogbole.
Also present were Assistant Legal Attaché Michael Thomas and Foreign Service Investigator Ayo Solademi.
