A federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut, has found Okechukwu Osuji, a Nigerian extradited to the United States, guilty of orchestrating a sophisticated business email compromise scheme across multiple countries, including the US. The US Department of Justice revealed this on Thursday, May 2, stating that Osuji and his associates, John Wamuigah and Tolulope Bodunde, defrauded their victims of more than $6.3 million.
Osuji was convicted by the jury on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, who heads the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, remarked, “Osuji spearheaded a network of scammers based in Malaysia and other locations, operating a sophisticated business email compromise scheme to deceive victims out of millions of dollars. Today’s conviction exemplifies how collaboration with international law enforcement partners enables us to prosecute cybercriminals in the US.”
US Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut added, “Although identifying and apprehending cybercriminals operating abroad can be challenging, today’s verdict underscores the FBI and Stamford Police’s expertise in uncovering this criminal network, alongside our counterparts in Malaysia, to ensure that fraudsters face justice in court. We will persist in dismantling internet fraud schemes, regardless of their global reach, and seek justice for victims.”
“The defendant masterminded a complex international business email compromise scheme and laundered millions in stolen proceeds,” stated Executive Assistant Director Timothy R. Langan Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch. “This conviction reflects the diligent efforts and close collaboration between the FBI and our local and international partners. Together, we will vigorously pursue anyone involved in defrauding Americans, regardless of their location.”
“Today’s verdict brings some closure to certain victims of these financially devastating crimes,” remarked Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Field Office. “It also demonstrates our ability to apprehend criminal actors globally, despite the intricacies of their offenses. We extend our gratitude to all our law enforcement collaborators, both domestic and international, as well as the US Attorney’s office, for their steadfast commitment to delivering justice.”
