Bank Officials Facilitate Financial Crimes- EFCC

The Ilorin Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Michael Nzekwe, has pointed out that bank officials assist criminals in carrying out financial crimes.

Nzekwe said this on Thursday during an interactive session with compliance officers of banks in Ilorin, which drew participants from Kwara and Kogi State. 

He said: “there is no major fraud, especially money laundering, that is ever committed without the connivance of bank officials.”

As a result, he advised bankers to “carry out due diligence and know your customers. By doing this, you save yourselves from trouble and make our job easier.”

He also identified the role of banks compliance officers as key to the fight against economic and financial crimes.

He therefore reiterated the need for bankers and EFCC operatives to be on the same page as new trends in cybercrimes continue to unfold. 

The Commander charged the bankers to share necessary information and report suspicious transactions to the Commission.

He also advised bankers to adhere strictly to bank rules, regulations and be diligent in the discharge of their duties.

“Know Your Customer” (KYC) and “Know Your Customer’s Business” (KYCB),” the Zonal Commander tasked the bankers to take the two requirements seriously as it would help to keep fraudulent customers at bay.