The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially removed Ellie Bitar, a foreign national, from its wanted list in connection with the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) fraud investigation.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the anti-graft agency, Bitar's removal from the list follows the emergence of "new information that does not support his inclusion in the wanted person's list."

Bitar was initially declared wanted on April 30, 2025, with the EFCC publishing his details across various social media platforms. At that time, the agency's Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, stated that Bitar's last known address was in the Lekki Phase 1 area of Lagos State.

"Ellie Bitar of CBEX Solutions Ltd., who was earlier declared wanted, has since been removed from the list owing to new information that does not support his inclusion in the wanted person's list," the EFCC statement read in part.

The CBEX platform reportedly collapsed in April, leading to numerous Nigerians losing their investments. Several videos circulated online showing affected individuals expressing concerns over their lost funds in the scheme.

Despite Bitar's removal from the wanted list, the EFCC maintains that it is "making substantial progress" in its search for eight other individuals declared wanted in connection with the CBEX fraud. The commission also noted that it is collaborating with international law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend all suspects involved.

"The Commission is making significant progress in its investigations, with law enforcement agencies worldwide working together to track and apprehend all the wanted individuals. The EFCC will continue its efforts to bring all those involved in the fraudulent activities to justice," the statement added.

As part of its ongoing investigation, the Federal High Court in Abuja had previously granted the EFCC's request to arrest and detain individuals promoting the CBEX scheme.