The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Elie Bitar, a 41-year-old foreign national, wanted for his alleged involvement in a massive cryptocurrency fraud linked to the online trading platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX).
In an official bulletin released on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the EFCC stated that Bitar is suspected of orchestrating a fraudulent investment scheme through CBEX, which has reportedly defrauded numerous unsuspecting investors across Nigeria.
“The public is hereby notified that ELIE BITAR, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud allegedly perpetrated on an online trading platform called Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX),” the notice read.
The commission revealed Bitar’s last known address as Eng. George Enemoh Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos State.
The EFCC has urged anyone with useful information regarding Bitar’s whereabouts to contact any of its zonal offices in Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt, or Abuja.
CBEX gained popularity amid Nigeria’s growing interest in cryptocurrency, luring users with promises of quick and substantial returns. However, concerns soon emerged regarding the platform’s lack of regulatory compliance and transparency.
The EFCC’s investigation into the scheme has reportedly uncovered a trail of transactions linked to Bitar and other individuals, some of whom have already been arrested.
Bitar is the ninth suspect to be declared wanted in connection with the CBEX fraud, which has robbed scores of Nigerians of their investments.
The EFCC has provided a contact number, 08093322644, and an email address, info@efcc.gov.ng, for anyone with information that could lead to Bitar’s arrest.
The commission has reiterated its commitment to bringing all perpetrators of financial crimes to justice and recovering stolen funds for the benefit of the victims.