10 Nigerians convicted in US over $125m internet fraud scheme
Ten Nigerian Nationals Convicted in $125 Million Internet Fraud Scheme
Ten Nigerian nationals were convicted in the United States for their roles in a significant transnational internet fraud operation that defrauded victims of approximately $125 million. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the convictions following a four-day trial at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
The defendants, among a total of 25 found guilty of fraud and money laundering, include Oluwafemi Michael Awoyemi, Ayobami Osas Christopher, Emmanuel “Omo Igbo” Okereke, Olalekan “Ola Bash” Bashiru, Casey Adesulu Jr., Jeremiah Agina, Ademola Balogun, Olabode Bankole, Chukwuemeka Evulukwu, and Ayorinde Emmanuel Adebayo.
Prosecutors described how the group operated sophisticated cyber fraud networks linked to Nigeria, targeting individuals, businesses, and organizations across multiple states in the U.S. and internationally. Their primary aim was to gain access to personal email accounts, which allowed them to monitor communications and learn about the victims’ business practices and contacts.
Once they secured access, the compromised accounts were used to send convincing fraudulent messages that deceived victims into paying for transactions that seemed legitimate. Investigators noted that the fraud operation had a global impact, affecting victims in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia.
The scheme reportedly generated about $125 million, with approximately $50 million deposited as cashier’s checks through a Chicago-based money service business, aiding in the laundering of the ill-gotten gains. In one notable case presented in court, a victim company unknowingly transferred $2.7 million into a shell account controlled by the accused.
After their arrests by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), authorities recovered nearly $1.2 million in cash, cryptocurrency, and cashier’s checks, as well as luxury items, including high-end wristwatches and a residential property in Georgia.
Sentencing for the convicted individuals is pending and will depend on their specific roles in the offenses as well as any prior criminal history.
