FBI and EFCC have partnered to probe the alleged diversion of US-Funded Health Programme Funds.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is set to partner with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged mismanagement and diversion of funds released for United States-backed health programmes in Nigeria.
The investigation will cover organisations and groups that received funds under programmes supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), particularly initiatives focused on HIV and tuberculosis interventions.
The FBI made the request during a meeting with the EFCC in Lagos as both countries move to strengthen cooperation in investigating financial crimes involving international funds.
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According to a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the request was presented by the FBI’s Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché, Marcus Maccain, during his visit to the EFCC Acting Zonal Director in Lagos.
Maccain said the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two agencies and supporting investigations into alleged financial irregularities involving organisations that implemented US-funded programmes in Nigeria.
He explained that the investigation would particularly examine funds released before the termination of some USAID-supported programmes, including how implementing organisations managed funds that remained in their possession after the programmes ended.
“We are seeking stronger engagement with the EFCC to establish how the funds were managed and identify possible financial misconduct arising from the termination of the programmes,” Maccain said.
The FBI official said greater cooperation between the agencies would help establish how the funds were utilised and determine whether any financial misconduct occurred.
The proposed investigation comes amid efforts by US and Nigerian authorities to strengthen cross-border cooperation in tackling financial crimes and ensuring accountability in the management of internationally funded programmes.
The EFCC is expected to work with the FBI to examine relevant financial records and activities of organisations involved in the implementation of the affected programmes.
