The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has returned a total of $225,895 and ₦62,790,000 to victims of fraud in the United States and South Africa. The restitution ceremony took place in Abuja on Friday, March 13.
The funds were recovered through meticulous investigations into cross-border financial crimes, and the EFCC emphasized that returning them to victims underscores its commitment to justice and bolstering international trust in anti-fraud efforts.
The handover was overseen by Mohammed Hammajoda, Secretary to the EFCC, and attended by representatives from the victims’ countries. Among them were FBI Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché Mike Fukuda and South Africa’s Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lindi Mminele.
Addressing the gathering, Hammajoda highlighted that corruption is a global challenge requiring coordinated international action. He stressed that financial crimes often span multiple countries, making cross-border collaboration vital to combat such offenses effectively.
In the United States, several victims received restitution: Drago Boskovic was awarded $7,440, Anh Ngoc Nguyen and others received $15,000, while Holly Ngo was handed $175,895 along with ₦62,790,000. From South Africa, representatives of Ennis-Flint Africa Limited were given $50,000.
Officials from both the U.S. and South Africa lauded the EFCC’s efforts in asset recovery and restitution, describing the agency as a trusted partner in the global fight against financial crimes. They commended Nigeria’s dedication to ensuring that victims are compensated.
The EFCC reaffirmed that returning recovered funds is a key pillar of its anti-corruption strategy and stressed that continued cooperation with international law enforcement will further strengthen global efforts against fraud.