- Ambassador Sell praised the partnership between Spanish and Nigerian law enforcement agencies
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday returned €5,100 in recovered fraud proceeds to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Sell.
The sum was recovered from a Nigerian involved in a romance scam that defrauded Spanish national Heinz Burchard Einhaus Uchtmanne. The EFCC, however, did not disclose the identity of the Nigerian fraudster.
At a handover ceremony in Abuja, EFCC chairperson Ola Olukoyede highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling financial crimes, which are increasingly global in nature. He noted that romance scams, which exploit victims emotionally, have become a growing concern, with cybercriminals preying on victims’ trust to swindle large sums of money.
“Cybercrime knows no borders, and it is vital for nations to collaborate to combat these crimes,” Olukoyede said, reaffirming the EFCC’s commitment to making Nigeria’s financial system hostile to fraudsters.
Ambassador Sell praised the partnership between Spanish and Nigerian law enforcement agencies, commending the EFCC’s efforts in tackling international crimes. He underscored the emotional and financial damage caused by romance scams, describing them as particularly cruel for exploiting victims’ goodwill.
Romance scams are a significant form of internet fraud globally, with victims losing billions of dollars each year. In some cases, these scams lead to severe emotional distress, including suicide. One recent case in the US saw two Nigerian brothers sentenced to over 17 years in prison for a sextortion scam that drove a minor to take their own life.
The ambassador expressed Spain’s commitment to further strengthening collaboration with Nigeria in fighting such crimes.