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EFCC Clears Foreign National Elie Bitar From CBEX Crypto Fraud Wanted List
Bitar was among eight individuals declared wanted by the anti-graft agency on May 1 over their alleged roles in a cryptocurrency investment scheme that defrauded numerous Nigerians
Abuja,Nigeria- The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has removed Elie Bitar, a 41-year-old foreign national, from its wanted list, weeks after declaring him wanted in connection with the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) fraud scandal.
Bitar was among eight individuals declared wanted by the anti-graft agency on May 1 over their alleged roles in a cryptocurrency investment scheme that defrauded numerous Nigerians and left many financially devastated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the EFCC confirmed Bitar’s removal from the list but did not provide specific details behind the decision.
The agency, however, reiterated its commitment to tracking down and prosecuting all those responsible for the CBEX scam.
The statement read, “As part of its ongoing investigations of the alleged monumental fraud involving many actors in the infamous Crypto Bridge Exchange, CBEX, fraud, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is gaining important ground in its search for eight wanted persons implicated in the fraud.
“The eight wanted persons are: Seyi Oloyede, Emmanuel Uko, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Johnson Okiroh Ofienolu, Israel Mbalika, Joseph Michiro Kabera and Serah Michiro.
According to the Commission, 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 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,” EFCC added.
