In New Haven, Connecticut, a Nigerian man named Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji has been found guilty by a federal jury for running a fraudulent email operation across various countries, including the U.S. The scheme resulted in losses and attempted losses totalling more than $6.3 million. As reported by the U.S. Department of Justice in a press release, during the trial it was uncovered that Osuji, who is 39 years old, and his accomplices used deceitful electronic communications to pose as reputable organizations in order to scam money from targeted individuals and businesses.
More so, the Department of Justice explained that they used both unknowing and knowing individuals as money mules to accept fraudulent money into their bank accounts, which was later moved to accounts owned by Osuji and his partners, or changed into cash for additional transfers. The Department of Justice stated that during the extensive operation of the plan over many years, many individuals were deceived into sending money to bank accounts they thought belonged to genuine recipients as part of regular business transactions. However, these bank accounts were actually in the control of Osuji and his partners.
Osuji spearheaded a ring of con artists operating in Malaysia.
Expressing her thoughts about the verdict obtained on May 1, 2024, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, who heads the Criminal Division of the Justice Department, provided a comment. She stated that Osuji spearheaded a ring of con artists operating in Malaysia and other locations, using an intricate scheme involving fraudulent business emails to cheat victims out of millions of dollars. The successful prosecution showcases the department’s ability to work closely with global law enforcement agencies in order to apprehend cybercriminals and hold them accountable within the United States.
Furthermore, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut praised the collaborative efforts of the FBI, Stamford Police, and Malaysian authorities in successfully uncovering and prosecuting a cyber criminal network operating abroad. This verdict showcases the dedication and expertise of law enforcement in holding fraudsters accountable for their actions in a court of law. They are committed to tirelessly pursue and bring to justice the individuals involved in online fraud schemes, regardless of their location, in order to seek justice for the victims of these crimes.
Final decision on the sentence is left to a federal district court judge.
Timothy R. Langan Jr., Executive Assistant Director of the FBI’s Branch for Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services, also shared remarks regarding the conviction. He said that the accused individual carried out an intricate scheme involving illegal international business emails, resulting in the money laundering of millions of dollars in stolen funds. Through a combination of dedication and teamwork between the FBI and the network of local and global allies, they have successfully achieved this conviction. Their united front will actively pursue legal action against individuals who commit fraud and theft against Americans, regardless of their location on the globe.
Hence, the Department of Justice found Osuji guilty of planning to commit wire fraud, actually committing wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft according to the jury. His sentencing is set for July 24, with a minimum sentence of two years for the identity theft charge and a possible maximum sentence of 60 years for the wire fraud and conspiracy charges. The final decision on the sentence will be left to a federal district court judge, who will take into account various factors including the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
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Earlier, in 2022, Osuji was apprehended in Malaysia and transported back to the United States. Meanwhile, his suspected partner in crime, John Wamuigah, is still in Malaysia awaiting extradition. Tolulope Bodunde, another accomplice, confessed to his involvement on February 16. The collaboration between the FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department led to the investigation of the case. Osuji’s arrest and extradition were made possible with the valuable assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, and Malaysian Attorney General’s Chambers.
Related Link
Wikipedia: Website https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fraud
