Internet Scam: EFCC Returns €5,100 Recovered Proceeds to Spanish Citizen
Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over €5,100 recovered from an online romance scam to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Ignacio Sell.
The handover took place recently, with EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede presenting the money on behalf of the Nigerian government.
The sum, recovered for Spanish citizen Heinz Burchard Einhaus Uchtmann, resulted from collaborative efforts between the EFCC and Spanish law enforcement agencies. While the identity of the fraudster was not disclosed, the EFCC highlighted the significance of international cooperation in tackling cross-border financial crimes.
During the handover, Olukoyede praised Spain’s ongoing support for Nigeria in combating corruption, emphasizing that the recovery demonstrates the strong partnership between the two nations and their law enforcement bodies.
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He underscored the growing threat posed by internet crimes, which often involve perpetrators and victims located in different countries.“It has become very imperative for us to understand that financial crimes have become a borderless crime,” Olukoyede said.
“We are resolute to ensure that Nigeria is not made a safe haven for financial criminals and corrupt people.”He also called for greater global cooperation to prevent financial ecosystems from being exploited by criminals.
Olukoyede warned that the resources controlled by global criminal networks now surpass the wealth of many industries, making it vital for governments worldwide to work together to combat these threats.
The EFCC chairman reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prosecuting those involved in romance scams, noting that such fraudulent activities will not go unpunished.
Romance scams typically involve criminals posing as romantic partners to defraud victims through social media or dating platforms, often extracting money under false pretenses such as medical or legal emergencies.
The EFCC’s latest recovery reinforces its dedication to fighting financial crimes and protecting both Nigerian and international victims.
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