The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Elie Bitar, a 41-year-old foreign national, wanted for his alleged role in a cryptocurrency fraud linked to the online platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX).
According to the EFCC, Bitar is suspected of orchestrating a fraudulent scheme through CBEX, which has reportedly swindled numerous unsuspecting investors across Nigeria.
“The public is hereby notified that ELIE BITAR, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud allegedly perpetrated on an online trading platform called Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX),” the EFCC stated.
In a public bulletin, the anti-graft agency revealed that Bitar’s last known residence was on Eng. George Enemoh Crescent in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
The EFCC has urged anyone with useful information regarding Bitar’s whereabouts to contact any of its zonal offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja.
The public can also reach the commission via the phone number 08093322644 or email at [email protected].
CBEX emerged in the wake of Nigeria’s growing appetite for cryptocurrency investments.
It promised users quick and high returns through crypto trading and investments but soon drew suspicion over its lack of regulatory compliance and transparency.
EFCC investigations have uncovered a network of suspicious transactions linked to Bitar, and several accomplices have already been apprehended.
Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, signed the wanted notice, reaffirming the agency’s commitment to tracking down individuals exploiting Nigerians through financial fraud schemes.
What you should know:
Elie Bitar, a 41-year-old foreign national, is wanted by the EFCC for allegedly defrauding investors through the cryptocurrency platform Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX).
The EFCC’s probe into CBEX uncovered fraudulent schemes promising high returns but lacking transparency or regulation.
The agency is appealing to the public for information on Bitar’s whereabouts, highlighting its ongoing crackdown on crypto-related fraud targeting Nigerians.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
