Nigeria moves to crackdown on cybercriminals, transnational car thieves

Nigerian Government has vowed to continue working with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organized crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu gave directive to security and law enforcement agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to intensify cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles.
According to the statement released by the Presidency on Sunday, Tinubu noted that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is depriving criminals of the proceeds from their illicit activities.

He acknowledged the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.
While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organised criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, the President commended the Commission for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional repose to this menace.

Nigerian President further directed that all relevant agencies, particularly the anti- corruption agencies, to protect the country’s economic and financial integrity from organised crime infiltration.
He also demanded that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society, and victims in line with existing legislation and international conventions.

The President strongly affirmed, “Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries.”

Tinubu who gave the assurance, affirmed that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes.