By Aaior K. Comfort

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has successfully returned $180,300 and 53 vehicles to Canadian authorities. These assets were fraudulently obtained from Canadian citizens by Nigerian cybercriminals. The handover, held during a ceremony, was led by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, who stressed the significance of international collaboration in tackling financial crimes. He acknowledged the partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as critical in recovering the stolen funds and vehicles.

Dubbed “Operation Hot Wheels,” the multi-year operation resulted in the recovery of $164,000 from one victim and $16,300 from another, along with the tracing of 53 vehicles. Olukoyede reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fighting financial crimes and ensuring justice for victims.

Canadian Deputy High Commissioner Robert Aboumitri commended the EFCC’s professionalism and emphasized the strong partnership between the two nations in combatting cybercrime.