In a significant development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) demonstrated its commitment to tackling cybercrime by returning $26,000 USD to a British national who fell victim to internet fraud.
The heartfelt gesture took place at the Benin Zonal Command of the EFCC on Monday, August 28, 2023.
The anti-graft agency revealed the development in a Facebook post via its officially verified handle.
The recipient of the recovered funds, Christine Brown, expressed her gratitude towards the Commission for their relentless efforts in rectifying the situation.
Brown, a 70-year-old victim of a romance scam, had lost her life’s savings to a fraudulent individual who deceived her through an online relationship.
Believing she was communicating with an entertainer and American citizen named John Barrowman, Brown found herself ensnared in a web of deceit.
Brown narrated her unfortunate experience, detailing how the fraudster, unbeknownst to her, manipulated her emotions and trust to extort money.
She recounted that she had been coerced into sending funds through wire transfers, Bitcoin, and gift cards as the deceitful relationship progressed.
Kanu Idagu, the Zonal Commander of the EFCC’s Benin sector, emphasized the Commission’s ongoing commitment to restoring justice and aiding fraud victims.
Idagu underscored the importance of vigilance in online interactions as fraudsters continue to exploit unsuspecting individuals on the internet. He reiterated the EFCC’s dedication to its mission of safeguarding society from cybercriminals.
This incident serves as a reminder of the ever-present threat posed by online fraud, highlighting the need for individuals to exercise caution and scepticism in their virtual interactions.
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