By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Conviction: Nigerian extradited for $6.3m fraud in US.
A Nigerian national, Okechukwu Osuji, extradited from Malaysia, has been found guilty by a federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut, for orchestrating a business email compromise scheme spanning multiple countries, including the United States.
According to a statement from the US Department of Justice, Osuji, along with his co-conspirators John Wamuigah and Tolulope Bodunde, defrauded victims of over $6.3 million.
The jury convicted Osuji on charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is set to be sentenced on July 24, facing a mandatory minimum of two years for identity theft and a maximum of 60 years for wire fraud and conspiracy.
Osuji’s arrest and extradition in 2022 marked a significant milestone in the investigation. His alleged co-conspirator, Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia awaiting extradition, while Bodunde pleaded guilty earlier this year.
Court documents and trial evidence revealed Osuji and his associates’ method of targeting individuals and businesses, posing as trustworthy entities to deceive victims into transferring funds. They utilized “money mules” to receive and transfer fraudulent proceeds, ultimately laundering millions through bank accounts under their control.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri described Osuji as leading a network of scammers in a sophisticated scheme, while Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Vanessa Avery, emphasized the collaborative efforts of international law enforcement in bringing cybercriminals to justice.
Echoing the sentiment, Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch highlighted the agency’s commitment to pursuing and prosecuting fraudsters wherever they operate.
conviction: Nigerian extradited, fraud.