Over 1,000 victims across 19 countries defrauded of $215 million in massive email scam, multiple convictions secured
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has confirmed that more than 1,000 victims in 19 countries lost approximately $215 million in a widespread email fraud operation, resulting in multiple convictions, including several Nigerian nationals.
In a statement released Thursday, the office said 25 defendants were convicted on April 24 for their roles in the scheme, commonly known as “business email compromise” and involving fraud and money laundering.
Among the convicted were four Nigerian nationals: Emmanuel Okereke (aka Omo Igbo), 42; Olalekan Bashiru (aka Ola Bash), 36; Jeremiah Agina, 29; and Ademola Balogun, 43. An additional five defendants were naturalized U.S. citizens of Nigerian descent.
Court documents reveal that the defendants accessed victims’ email accounts and used co-conspirators to monitor communications. They then sent fraudulent payment requests designed to appear legitimate. Stolen funds were laundered through a network of fake bank accounts and money transfer systems, including nearly $50 million in cashier’s cheques processed through the New Dolton Currency Exchange in Chicago.
Victims were located in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Germany, Italy, Kuwait, the UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Panama, Bermuda, Romania, and other countries. Losses per victim ranged from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.
Seized or forfeited items included nearly $1.2 million in cashier’s cheques, cash, and cryptocurrency, high-end watches, and a 4,423-square-foot residence in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
Each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing factors such as prior criminal history, role in the offense, and other circumstances. Investigations were conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Border Patrol Sandusky Bay Intelligence Unit.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
