5The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared a foreign national, Elie Bitar, wanted over his alleged role in a cryptocurrency scam connected to the online trading platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX).
In a bulletin made public by the commission, Bitar, aged 41, is said to be the mastermind behind a yscheme that lured unsuspecting investors into putting money into CBEX under the pretense of profitable cryptocurrency trading. The operation has reportedly resulted in substantial financial losses for victims across Nigeria. The EFCC has described the case as a significant cyber-enabled financial fraud, emphasizing the growing threat of digital scams in the country.
The Commission revealed that Bitar’s last known residence was located at Eng. George Enemoh Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State. Investigators believe he may have fled the area following initial reports of investor complaints and mounting evidence of fraudulent activity.
The EFCC called on the public for assistance in locating Bitar, stating that citizens with any relevant information are encouraged to report to any of the agency’s zonal offices in cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, and others via email at info@efcc.gov.ng.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to tracking down individuals involved in financial crimes, particularly those exploiting emerging digital platforms to defraud people
Recall that Adefowora Abiodun, who was declared wanted among five others for promoting the cryptocurrency trading platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange (Cbex), has voluntarily turned himself in to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation.
He was said to have reported at the anti-graft agency on Monday.
This followed the ruling and approval of Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja last Thursday to arrest the six promoters pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
Six promoters were declared wanted by the EFCC over a suspected $1 billion investment fraud.
Around 4:00 p.m., Abiodun, one of the suspects, turned himself in at EFCC headquarters with his lawyers.
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His counsel, Babatunde Busari, said Abiodun was ready to cooperate and clear his name against false media reports.
Meanwhile, following the commission’s counsel, Fadila Yusuf’s submission, Abiodun, along with five others – Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim – were declared wanted.
