The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken a step in restoring justice to foreign fraud victims.

As a gesture of its commitment to tackling economic and financial crimes and offering restitution to victims of fraudulent practices, the EFCC, handed over a total sum of $132,362.43 and N78,566,324.81 to American, Spanish and Swiss victims of local fraudsters.

The handover, which was performed by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ola Olukoyede took place on Friday, at the EFCC’s corporate headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.

According to Olukoyede, “The event is a demonstration of the commitment of the federal government of Nigeria and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the fight against corruption and financial crimes.”

Olukoyede emphasised the importance of restitution, stating, “We don’t just recover, we restitute the victims. It is important to know that once the proceeds of crime are recovered, the most responsible thing to do is to restitute the victims.”

READ ALSO: “EFCC Won’t Spare Any Greedy LG Chairman” — Olukoyede Insists

The restitution saw the handover of funds, vehicles, and real estate properties to representatives of the American, Spanish, and Swiss embassies.

The representatives of the respective embassies expressed their gratitude to the EFCC for its efforts in combating financial crimes and providing restitution to victims.

Charles Smith, Legal Attache, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Embassy of the United States, acknowledged the commission’s efforts, saying, “The EFCC is just not operating in Nigeria. The EFCC is a major global contender and you should recognize that every time.”

The recovered assets included $7,344, Bitcoin cryptocurrency valued at $4,470, and several properties, which were handed over to the victims or their representatives.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Permanent Secretary, Foreign Affairs Ministry, Umar Ahmed, who commended the EFCC’s efforts in enhancing Nigeria’s credibility in the international community.