An extradited Nigerian, Okechukwu Osuji, was convicted by a federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut for running a business email compromise scheme across multiple countries, including the United States, as confirmed by a statement from the US Department of Justice. Osuji, along with his accomplices John Wamuigah and Tolulope Bodunde, defrauded their victims of over $6.3 million.
Osuji was found guilty on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is set to be sentenced on July 24, facing a minimum of two years for identity theft and up to 60 years in prison for wire fraud and conspiracy.
The sentencing will be determined by a Federal District Court judge, taking into account the US Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors.
Osuji was apprehended in Malaysia and extradited to the US in 2022. His alleged co-conspirator, Wamuigah, is still in Malaysia awaiting extradition proceedings. Meanwhile, another accomplice, Bodunde, pleaded guilty on February 16.
Court documents and trial evidence reveal that Osuji, 39, and his partners targeted individuals and businesses through deceptive electronic communications to fraudulently obtain money. They used both unwitting and willing individuals as “money mules” to receive fraudulent funds in their bank accounts, which were then transferred to accounts controlled by Osuji and his associates or converted into cash.
Over the course of their scheme, numerous victims fell prey to transferring funds into what they believed were legitimate accounts, only to discover they were under the control of Osuji and his co-conspirators.
Nicole Argentieri, the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, denounced Osuji for leading a sophisticated fraud operation, while Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Vanessa Avery, highlighted the successful collaboration with international partners in bringing cybercriminals to justice.
The FBI and Stamford Police were commended for uncovering the criminal network and, together with counterparts in Malaysia, ensuring that fraudsters face legal consequences.
Executive Assistant Director Timothy Langan Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch emphasized the relentless pursuit of justice against individuals involved in online fraud schemes targeting Americans, regardless of their location.