The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) handed over €5100 (Five Thousand, One Hundred Euros), proceeds recovered from a Nigerian romance scam, to the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Juan Ignacio Sell.
The handover, led by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, marks the success of joint efforts between the EFCC and Spanish law enforcement in recovering stolen funds for a Spanish citizen, Heinz Burchard Einhaus Uchtmann, victimized by a romance fraud scheme.
In a ceremony at EFCC headquarters, Olukoyede expressed gratitude to Spain for its ongoing support and emphasized the significance of international collaboration in combating transnational crime.
“Today’s handover is a testament to the strong relationship between Nigeria and Spain, and between our law enforcement agencies,” he said.
“Financial crimes have become borderless, and we are resolute in making Nigeria unconducive for fraudsters and the corrupt.” Olukoyede added
Olukoyede highlighted the growing scale of global financial crimes, surpassing even the wealth of the technology industry, and stressed the importance of countries working together to secure the global financial ecosystem.
“Our determination is clear—anyone involved in romance scams or sextortion will face justice,” he said.
Ambassador Sell, who received the funds on behalf of the Spanish victim, praised the EFCC-Spanish Police collaboration.
“This is a joyful moment for all involved. We are witnessing the tangible results of cooperation between two friendly nations,” he remarked.
Sell pledged Spain’s continued commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, particularly in law enforcement training and information sharing.
The event, attended by senior EFCC officials and a delegation from the Spanish Police, further solidified the growing partnership between Nigeria and Spain in the fight against international financial crimes.
