Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, has urged law enforcement agencies worldwide to strengthen alliances in order to effectively combat cross-border economic crimes.
Olukoyede made the call on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Jesus College, Cambridge, United Kingdom, while addressing participants at the 42nd International Symposium on Economic Crimes. He spoke through EFCC’s Director of Legal and Prosecution, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), during a session on “Problems Facing Enforcement and Judicial Agencies in Dealing With Cross Border Economic Crimes.”
Addressing more than 1,000 participants, Olukoyede highlighted the growing sophistication of organized criminal networks, the use of advanced digital technologies, weak regulatory frameworks across jurisdictions, and difficulties in tracing and recovering illicit funds hidden abroad as major obstacles to combating transnational financial crimes.
He stressed that collaboration among international law enforcement bodies remains the most effective solution. “Collaboration is the only way the world can harness its resources to deal with cross-border economic crimes, as no nation is spared,” he said.
Olukoyede pointed to the EFCC’s successes in tackling economic crimes in Nigeria and abroad, citing joint operations with global partners such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Interpol as examples of effective cooperation.
The Cambridge International Symposium on Economic Crimes, which began on September 1, 2025, continues until September 8. For over four decades, the event has convened policymakers, law enforcement agencies, judges, administrators, and government officials from more than 100 countries to deliberate on pressing issues in the fight against economic crimes.
