The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Friday, handed over a total of $180,300 and 53 vehicles, fraudulently taken by some Nigerians from Canadian citizens to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Punch reports.

Speaking at the signing ceremony for the return of the recovered vehicles and funds, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede, stated that the Canadians were victims of cybercrimes.

He stressed that recovering and returning the assets reinforced the commission’s commitment to fighting financial crimes.

The EFCC Chairman said the event also emphasised the need for countries to collaborate to tackle financial and other forms of crime.

He said, “This is an occasion we are using to demonstrate our commitment to fighting financial crimes and to also collaborate with other countries and agencies around the world. It’s common knowledge that financial crimes have taken a new turn all across the globe.

“It has become a global problem. The people who perpetrate these crimes do so in a way that shows their activities are borderless and barbaric.

“They employ various means to ensure they move across jurisdictions. That’s why it has become very necessary and imperative for us to collaborate with our friends across the world.”

Speaking on the recoveries, he said $164,000 was taken from Bogomas Elena, while one Sandra Butler was defrauded of $16,300.

He said, “In total, 53 vehicles were recovered on behalf of the victims. In one instance, $164,000 was taken from Elena, and $16,300 was also recovered. These will be handed over to the Canadian police to return to the victims.”