Ten Nigerian nationals have been convicted in the United States over their roles in a transnational internet fraud scheme that defrauded victims of about $125 million.
The convictions were announced by the United States Attorney’s Office, which disclosed that the Nigerians were among 25 defendants found guilty of fraud and money laundering after a four-day trial at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.
Those convicted include Oluwafemi Michael Awoyemi, Ayobami Osas Christopher, Emmanuel Okereke, Olalekan Bashiru, Casey Adesulu Jr, Jeremiah Agina, Ademola Balogun, Olabode Bankole, Chukwuemeka Evulukwu and Ayorinde Emmanuel Adebayo.
Prosecutors said the convicts operated a sophisticated cyber fraud network with links to Nigeria, targeting individuals, businesses and organisations across several states in the US and other countries.
According to the authorities, the group gained unauthorised access to email accounts belonging to individuals and organisations, which they monitored to understand business communications and financial dealings.
Investigators explained that the compromised accounts were then used to send deceptive messages that appeared legitimate, tricking victims into transferring funds under false pretences.
The scheme reportedly had a global reach, with victims identified in countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United Arab Emirates and Australia.
Authorities further revealed that proceeds of the fraud were routed through multiple fraudulent bank accounts and transfer channels to obscure their origin and distribute funds among members of the syndicate.
In total, the network was said to have generated about $125 million, with approximately $50 million converted into cashier’s cheques processed through a Chicago-based money services firm.
In one instance presented in court, a victim company was said to have transferred $2.7 million into an account controlled by members of the group.
Following investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, law enforcement agents recovered about $1.2 million in cash, cryptocurrency and cashier’s cheques, as well as luxury items including high-end wristwatches and a residential property in Georgia.
The convicted individuals are expected to be sentenced at a later date, with penalties to be determined based on their roles in the offences and any prior criminal records.