Nigerian Extradited and Convicted in Multi-Million Dollar Email Scam Case.

Okechukwu Osuji, a Nigerian who was extradited, was found guilty by a federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut, of running a corporate email compromise scam that involved numerous nations, including the US.

The information was released on Thursday, May 2, by the US Department of Justice. It stated that Osuji and his associates, John Wamuigah and Tolulope Bodunde, had cheated their victims out of more than $6.3 million.

Osuji was found guilty by the jury of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Head of the Criminal Division of the Justice Department Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, stated;

“Osuji led a network of scammers in Malaysia and elsewhere in a sophisticated business email compromise scheme to defraud victims of millions of dollars.

Today’s conviction is another example of how the department’s collaboration with international law enforcement partners enables us to bring cybercriminals to justice in the United States.”

Vanessa Roberts Avery, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, also mentioned:

“While it is often difficult to identify and bring to justice cybercriminals operating overseas, today’s verdict demonstrates the expertise of the FBI and Stamford Police in uncovering this criminal network, and the shared commitment of our counterparts in Malaysia to ensure that fraudsters are held accountable in a court of law.

“We will continue to work to root out those who engage in internet fraud schemes, no matter where in the world they operate and achieve justice for victims of these crimes.”

“The defendant perpetrated a complex international business email compromise scheme and laundered millions in stolen proceeds,” said Executive Assistant Director Timothy R. Langan Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch.

“This conviction is the result of hard work and close collaboration between the FBI and our local and international partners. Together, we will work aggressively to bring to justice anyone who engages in fraud and theft against Americans, no matter where they are in the world.”

“Today’s verdict provides a bit of closure to some victims of these often financially crippling crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Field Office.

“It also displays our international ability to bring criminal actors to justice despite the complexities of their crimes. We want to thank all of our law enforcement partners here and abroad, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s office, for their dedication to serving justice.”