EFCC Removes Elie Bitar From Wanted List In CBEX Crypto Fraud Case
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cleared foreign national Elie Bitar of any involvement in the ongoing Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) fraud investigation, officially removing his name from its wanted list.
Bitar, aged 41, was among eight individuals declared wanted by the EFCC on May 1 over a multi-million-naira cryptocurrency fraud that reportedly left many Nigerians financially stranded.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Commission confirmed Bitar’s removal from the list, citing new evidence that invalidated his initial inclusion.
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 persons’ 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.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
