BREAKING: EFCC and Toronto Police Recover $225,000 for Victim of Cryptocurrency Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in collaboration with the Toronto Police Service, has successfully recovered and returned $225,000 to a victim defrauded in a cryptocurrency investment scam. The funds, part of a total of $355,000 stolen in 2021, were returned after a three-year international investigation.

The fraud was masterminded by Nigerian cybercriminal Omonkhoa Precious Afure, who operated under the alias “Moshe Theodor McNigh” on Facebook. Using this fake identity, Afure convinced a Canadian citizen to invest in a fraudulent cryptocurrency platform called Legacyfxtraders.online. The scam came to light when the victim realized the deception and reported the matter to the Toronto Police, sparking an investigation that involved both Canadian and Nigerian authorities.

In 2023, a Lagos court ruled in favor of the victim, allowing the EFCC to recover and return the stolen funds. On December 9, 2024, the Toronto Police Service confirmed the return of $225,000 to the victim, marking a significant milestone in cross-border collaboration between Nigerian and Canadian law enforcement agencies.

Afure, who remains in custody, faces multiple charges of cyber fraud, including the theft of the remaining $130,000. The EFCC has pledged to continue efforts to recover the outstanding funds and ensure Afure faces full legal consequences. This case highlights the increasing threat of online fraud and underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling cybercrime. The successful restitution has been a source of relief for the victim, who praised both the EFCC and Toronto Police for their efforts.