FBI Names Four Nigerians Wanted Over $6m US Business Fraud Scheme

The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has named four Nigerian nationals wanted in connection with an alleged Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme that reportedly defrauded more than 70 U.S. businesses of over $6 million.

The suspects — Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh, Felix Osilama Okpoh, Nnamdi Orson Benson and Micheal Olorunyomi — are believed to be in Nigeria, according to the FBI.

Federal arrest warrants have been issued for the four men following indictments by the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska in Omaha.

The FBI said Uzuh allegedly coordinated the scheme by sending spoofed emails to thousands of businesses, inducing victims to authorise fraudulent wire transfers. Investigators said the proceeds were moved through networks involving alleged money launderers, romance scammers and other accomplices in the United States and elsewhere.

Uzuh was indicted on October 18, 2016, on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Okpoh, who was indicted on August 21, 2019, is accused of providing hundreds of bank accounts used to receive stolen funds. The FBI said accounts allegedly supplied by him received more than $1 million in fraudulent transfers from victim businesses.

Benson faces a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud over his alleged involvement in the scheme targeting more than 70 businesses.

Olorunyomi was indicted on November 13, 2019, on charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, identity theft and access device fraud.

The FBI also accused Olorunyomi of operating romance fraud schemes targeting elderly and widowed victims, allegedly causing more than $1 million in losses. The bureau said bank accounts belonging to some victims were subsequently provided to other suspects to receive proceeds from separate fraud operations.

The FBI said all four suspects remain at large and are wanted under outstanding federal warrants.

The publication of their names and photographs is part of the FBI’s effort to seek information that could assist in their apprehension.

The allegations remain allegations unless and until proven in court.