In a significant step towards justice, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) returned over $132,000 and N78 million to victims of financial fraud from the United States, Spain, and Switzerland on Friday. The restitution also included various assets like vehicles and real estate documents, which were handed over to representatives from these countries in Nigeria for further transfer to the victims.
EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, spoke at the commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, urging countries holding assets and funds recovered from economic and financial criminals to promptly return them to their rightful owners. He highlighted the importance of victim restitution, stating that the commission’s efforts go beyond recovery – they are committed to ensuring that recovered assets reach the individuals who suffered due to fraudulent activities.
Olukoyede addressed the global community, appealing to nations that are holding Nigeria’s recovered assets, urging them not to retain them any longer, as these funds belong to Nigeria and must be repatriated for restitution. He emphasized that returning the proceeds of crime to victims is the most responsible course of action after recovery.
The event also marked a significant milestone in international collaboration. Spain’s Acting Ambassador to Nigeria, Maria Velasco, received $1,300, along with confirmation of a N30 million transfer already made to the Spanish Embassy, which will be sent to Maria Del Rosario San Jose, a victim of fraud. Florent Geel, the Senior Political Officer at the Swiss Embassy in Nigeria, received $100,011.43 for Chantai Helene Lavancy, a victim defrauded of substantial funds.
Additionally, Charles Smith, Legal Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, accepted $7,344, N7,963,483.35, and Bitcoin worth $4,470 for Maria Jesus Brockell, a victim of financial crime. Smith also received a residential bungalow in Kaduna, Nigeria, which will be forwarded to a U.S. victim, Michael Smith.
In total, several other fraud victims were also provided restitution, including Cheryle Williams, who received $11,710.
The U.S. Embassy’s FBI Legal Attaché, Charles Smith, praised the EFCC for its outstanding work in recovering and returning assets to fraud victims. He emphasized how significant these efforts are in providing victims with closure, allowing them to heal from the financial and emotional toll of fraud.
“This restitution is crucial for the victims,” Smith said. “It gives them closure and makes them feel whole again. The EFCC’s work is not just a national effort; it’s a global one, and it deserves recognition worldwide.”
Spain’s Acting Ambassador Velasco echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude for the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and Spain. This event highlighted the importance of international cooperation in tackling financial crimes and ensuring victims receive justice.
