The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared 41-year-old foreign national Elie Bitar wanted in connection with a massive cryptocurrency fraud involving the unregistered trading platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX). The scheme is alleged to have defrauded Nigerian investors of over ₦1.3 trillion.

According to an EFCC bulletin issued on April 30, 2025, Bitar is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent investment scheme through CBEX, which promised investors 100% returns within 30 days. The platform collapsed in April 2025, leaving thousands of Nigerians unable to access their funds. ​

Bitar's last known address is Eng. George Enemoh Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos State. The EFCC has urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact any of its zonal offices across Nigeria.

In addition to Bitar, the EFCC has declared several other individuals wanted in connection with the CBEX scheme, including:​

• Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun​

• Adefowora Oluwanisola​

• Emmanuel Uko

• Seyi Oloyede​

• Johnson Okiroh Otieno​

• Israel Mbaluka​

• Joseph Michiro Kabera​

• Serah Michiro

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has confirmed that CBEX was not registered with the agency, warning Nigerians against investing in unregulated platforms. ​

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the EFCC permission to arrest and detain six CBEX promoters in connection with the alleged fraud.

The EFCC continues to investigate the CBEX scheme and has traced funds to multiple countries, with recovery efforts underway.

For more information, you can refer to the following sources:​

If you have any information regarding Elie Bitar's whereabouts, please contact the EFCC through their official channels