The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially removed foreign national Elie Bitar from its wanted list in connection with the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) fraud investigation, acknowledging an error in the initial declaration.
Bitar, who was initially included in a wanted notice published across social media platforms on April 30, has been cleared following what the anti-graft agency described as "new information that does not support his inclusion in the wanted person's list."
Investigation Progress
In a statement released by the EFCC spokesperson, the commission assured the public that it is making significant progress in its investigations into the CBEX fraud case that has reportedly caused financial losses to numerous Nigerians when the platform crashed in April.
"The Commission is making good progress in its investigations. Law enforcement agencies across the world are collaborating with it in tracking and arresting all the wanted persons. The EFCC will not relent in bringing every actor involved in the fraudulent dealings to book," the statement read in part.
The EFCC had previously declared eight individuals wanted over their alleged involvement in the fraudulent scheme linked to the online trading platform. Additionally, the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the agency's request to arrest and detain persons found promoting the CBEX scheme.
Background on CBEX Fraud
The Crypto Bridge Exchange platform has been at the center of controversy after numerous Nigerians reported losing their investments when the platform reportedly crashed in April. The incident prompted the EFCC to launch a comprehensive investigation into what appears to be a significant cryptocurrency fraud scheme.
The commission's swift action to correct its error regarding Bitar demonstrates its commitment to accuracy in its ongoing efforts to bring the actual perpetrators to justice.
As the investigation continues, the EFCC has indicated that it is working closely with international law enforcement agencies to track down and apprehend the remaining individuals on the wanted list.
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