A federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut, has convicted Nigerian national Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji for his role in a sophisticated business email compromise scheme. Osuji, 39, and his accomplices operated across multiple countries, including the United States, targeting individuals and businesses by posing as trustworthy entities to steal money. Their fraudulent operations resulted in losses exceeding $6.3 million.
The scheme involved using “money mules” to receive and transfer stolen funds. Victims were deceived into sending money to bank accounts controlled by Osuji and his associates, believing they were legitimate recipients. The funds were then moved through various accounts or converted to cash for further laundering.
Federal authorities, including the FBI and the Stamford Police Department, worked with international partners to investigate and prosecute the case. The successful conviction highlights the effectiveness of global cooperation in addressing complex cybercrime operations.
Osuji was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to the United States in 2022. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for identity theft and up to 60 years in prison for wire fraud and conspiracy. His co-conspirator, John Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia pending extradition, while another accomplice, Tolulope Bodunde, has already pleaded guilty.
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