The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) handed over $22,000, recovered from convicted internet fraudster Hakeem Olanrewaju, to the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) on Friday in Lagos. Olanrewaju was sentenced to two years imprisonment for identity theft and impersonation, with Justice Nicholas Oweibo ordering the restitution to his victim in the United States on August 15, 2023.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale announced the handover in a statement on Saturday. During the ceremony, Michael Wetkas, the acting Director of the Lagos Zonal Command, emphasized the commission’s commitment to fighting crime and restoring order in Nigeria. “We are delighted to be handing over this proceeds of crime today. The EFCC is willing and always ready to do more,” Wetkas stated.
FBI Legal Attaché Charles Smith praised the collaborative efforts between the EFCC and the FBI, highlighting the significance of recovering funds from Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes. “This type of crime cripples businesses in the US, and for them to recover the money within one to two years gives hope to the affected companies and brings some level of justice,” Smith remarked.
Smith also expressed optimism for the continued partnership between the EFCC and the FBI. “We hope our relationship continues and fosters a more cohesive partnership between the two agencies. If there’s anything the FBI can do to support this investigation, we will do so. We appreciate this on behalf of the FBI and thank the EFCC,” he concluded.
