A federal jury in Alexandria, Virginia, convicted Nigerian national Ebuka Raphael Umeti for running a business email compromise scheme that targeted victims in the United States and abroad. Umeti and his co-conspirators sent phishing emails that appeared to come from trusted sources, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and email accounts. They used this access to deceive individuals into making wire transfers to accounts controlled by the conspirators, causing or attempting to cause more than $1.5 million in losses.
The scheme involved sophisticated tactics, including the use of malware to gain remote access to victim computers. Despite operating from outside the United States, Umeti was extradited and brought to justice through the efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Umeti was convicted of several charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and intentional damage to a protected computer. He faces significant prison time, with sentencing scheduled for August 27.
Co-defendant Franklin Ifeanyichukwu Okwonna pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme and will be sentenced on September 3. The case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
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