The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has removed Elie Bitar, a foreign national, from its wanted list in the ongoing investigation into the Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) fraud.
Bitar was previously declared wanted on April 30 in connection with an alleged fraud involving the CBEX trading platform. His name and photograph were published across EFCC’s official social media accounts. The post listed his last known address in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
In a statement released Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed Bitar’s removal from the wanted list. According to the Commission, new evidence no longer supports his inclusion.
“Ellie Bitar of CBEX Solutions Ltd., who was earlier declared wanted, has since been removed from the list owing to new information,” the statement read.
The EFCC assured the public that investigations are ongoing, and international law enforcement agencies are aiding efforts to trace the remaining suspects. Oyewale added that the EFCC is making solid progress and will continue to track and prosecute those involved in the CBEX fraud.
The Commission had earlier declared eight individuals wanted for their roles in the collapsed CBEX scheme, which left many Nigerians stranded and without access to their funds. Several videos circulated online showed affected victims lamenting their financial losses.
As the investigation deepens, the EFCC has obtained a court order from the Federal High Court in Abuja to arrest and detain individuals promoting the CBEX platform.
The EFCC says it remains committed to securing justice for victims and dismantling fraudulent financial operations, especially those exploiting digital platforms like CBEX.
Bitar’s removal marks a notable development in the case, reinforcing EFCC’s emphasis on facts and new intelligence as the case unfolds.
