Sextortion: US Consulate, FBI laud EFCC, seek enhanced information sharing

The United States Consulate in Lagos and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, have applauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its investigative effectiveness and sustained efforts in combating sextortion and transnational financial crimes.

The two US agencies gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché of the United States Consulate, SSA James Smith, and SSA Thomas Pepper of the Cyber Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation Headquarters, to the Acting Zonal Director of Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE I) Bawa Usman Kaltungo, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Smith stated that the visit was aimed at boosting the existing collaboration between the US Consulate and the Commission, especially in the area of information sharing in combating criminal activities involving both Nigerians and foreigners.

According to him, closer cooperation would enhance information gathering and intelligence sharing, particularly in ongoing efforts to combat sextortion, cybercrime, and other transnational crimes.

Also speaking, Pepper thanked the Commission for the opportunity to engage, adding that, “Already, we have been enjoying a robust collaboration and partnership with the EFCC in so many cases.

“But I want to state that we are willing to improve the timeliness and efficiency of the investigative information we share with the EFCC,” he said.

He added that enhanced, targeted information sharing would further strengthen the working relationship between the two agencies in tackling sextortion.

He noted that sextortion had become a priority issue in the United States and proposed the establishment of a joint team to facilitate intelligence gathering and information sharing on cases reported to the Commission, as well as requests made by the EFCC to the FBI.

Responding, Kaltungo thanked the delegation for the visit and assured them of the Commission’s utmost cooperation where necessary.

“Our doors are always open for collaboration. We also maintain similar collaborations with other countries and international partners.

“However, we do need your assistance and support to enable us to track and apprehend these perpetrators in good time.

“The availability of tracking tools will help make our work faster.

“I assure you of our continued cooperation and support, and we are here to assist,” Kaltungo said.