By Yusuf Olukokun
The Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dutifully handed over a sum of $22,000 which was recovered from a convicted internet fraudster, Hakeem Olatunde, to the Federal Bureau Investigations, FBI, in Lagos on Saturday, May 18 2024.
In the statement released on Saturday by the commission, it was noted that Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Lagos, legally sentenced Hakeem Olanrewaju to two years imprisonment on August 15, 2023 for impersonation and identity theft.
During the pronouncement of the judgement, he also ordered EFCC to settle the US victim with the money recovered from the convict.
However, at the handing over event, Michael T. Wektas, the Acting Director of Lagos EFCC Zonal Command, reiterated the Commission’s thorough dedication to sanitize the cyber space against internet frauds and also reducing crime rates to the barest minimum in the country.
Charles Smith, FBI Legal Representative, responded by saying the FBI and EFCC have always worked together to recover fund of this type especially through Business Email Compromise, also known as BEC.
Speaking further, Charles also said cyber fraud cripples business in the United States and the recovery always gives hope to the affected parties or victims.
“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”, Charles said.