The
Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC) has begun a clampdown
on bankers and operators of Bureau De Change (BDC) outfits across
Nigeria who are aiding cybercrimes.
The clampdown followed the
indictment of 80 Nigerians in a massive cybercrime case, investigated by
the United State’s Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
EFCC
Ibadan Zonal Head, Ibadan, Mr Friday Ebelo, disclosed this during a
press briefing held at the Commission’s zonal office at Iyaganku on
Wednesday.
He said the EFCC is in constant collaboration with
international organisations with similar mandates, especially the FBI,
in an effort to curb internet crime and transfers of illicit funds,
saying: “Our longstanding collaborative engagement with the FBI and
other law enforcement agencies remains intact and is yielding mutual
benefits.”
He stated that the Commission, which has begun
background checks on the 80 indicted Nigerians, has also arrested a
total of 263 cybercrime suspects in 2019, adding that 111 among them had
been convicted by courts of competent jurisdiction and sentenced to
various jail terms.
Ebelo commended EFCC Acting Chairman Mr
Ibrahim Magu, citing his leadership as being responsible for the
successes recorded so far by the Commission, stating that the Ibadan
zone has recovered local and foreign currencies from cybercrime related
offences. He listed the currency recoveries as amounting to N7,461,378;
USD56,452; 2,400 Euros; and £65; CAD400.
He referred to the case
of a banker in their custody, arrested on Tuesday, who had allegedly
been clearing suspected cybercriminals, and also shortchanging them,
saying: “Assuming the exchange rate is N360 to US$1, he can blackmail
them by saying that the exchange rate is N200 to US$1.
“…He would
threaten to report them to the EFCC. Those people (cybercriminals)
would have to agree on a give-and-take in order to avoid problems. We
have the banker in our custody and many more will come. Those that are
aiding them – the bankers and BDC, we will get them out.”
Ebelo,
who disclosed cartel involvement in cybercrime, mentioned that the
cartels operate networks across various countries, further revealing
that the cybercriminals use bankers and operators of Bureau De Change
businesses to launder their illicit loot, away from the prying eyes of
authorities.
He mentioned the cae of one suspected internet fraud
kingpin, Ajayi Gbenga Festus, “who was recently arrested during one of
our operations in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The suspect, according to our
investigation, works with other cybercriminals abroad in a highly
sophisticated web of conspiracy designed to illegally access accounts of
individuals and organisations to defraud them of their money.
“We
were able to establish a number of illicit transactions through his
Nigerian bank account, amounting to over N223 million. Ajayi serves as
conduit pipe through which proceeds of crime reach members of the
syndicate. His cuts in the deals total over N75 million. The suspect is
still helping the Commission in its further investigations. He surely
will have his day in court as soon as investigations are concluded and
the matter is ripe for prosecution.”
The steps being taken by the
EFCC, according to Ebelo, were calculated to constitutionally ensure
that the “interests of hardworking and law-abiding Nigerians are
adequately protected, and that they are not denied the fruit of their
labour by the recalcitrant few. We will also continue to work
assiduously to ensure that those who engage in acts capable of
tarnishing the good image of our dear country do not escape the cold
hands of the law.”
No comments
Post a Comment