Related Federal Cases
- Pam Bondi, Money Laundering, Texas, 2023 · Texas
- Stuart C. Cole, Mail Fraud, Extortion, Money Laundering, St Pete Be… · Puerto Rico
- Detroit Federal Agents, Money Laundering, Detroit MI, 2024 · Texas
- Angela S. George, Money Laundering Investigation, Washington DC, 2023 · Alabama
- Pam Bondi, Money Laundering Challenge, Austin TX, 2023 · Kansas
A Ninth Defendant Sentenced in Case Against Organized Fraud, Money Laundering Schemes
AUSTIN, Texas – A dual Nigerian and Canadian citizen, Ejiro Efevwerha, 47, was sentenced today in federal court in Austin to 87 months imprisonment, ordered to pay more than $1.67 million in restitution, and forfeited a $2 million money judgment for his role in a conspiracy to commit fraud.
According to court documents, Efevwerha, aka Festus Akpobonme, facilitated laundering the proceeds of fraud by connecting launderers in the U.S. to fraudsters located overseas. The conspiracy used a network of individuals in the U.S. to receive victim money in U.S. bank accounts, often opened under fraudulent names, and transferred those funds to co-conspirators inside and outside of the U.S.
The types of fraud used against the victims over more than three years included grandchildren-in-jail scams, romance scams, inheritance scams, lottery scams and investment scams, among others. Investigators identified a total victim loss of more than $3.9 million in fraud proceeds from hundreds of victims laundered by the conspiracy.
Efevwerha was extradited from Canada to the Western District of Texas in July 2021. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 19, 2022.
“This case is another example of our dedication to bring fraudsters to justice, whether they are inside the United States or attempting to hide overseas,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “The scams perpetrated and facilitated by this conspiracy prey on our most vulnerable citizens. I commend the work of our law enforcement partners who help hold accountable both those who commit fraud and those that help fraudsters hide their profits.”
This sentencing is the ninth in a series of cases related to the conspiracy. Co-defendant Ochuko Sylvester Eruotor pleaded guilty after being extradited to the Western District of Texas from Germany and was sentenced in July 2018 to 168 months in federal prison for his role in the multi-million-dollar fraud and money laundering schemes. The other seven co-defendants sentenced received a combined 446 months in prison and were ordered to pay restitution.
Law enforcement is continuing its search for a co-conspirator who remains a fugitive of this case. If you know the whereabouts of Ejovwoke Mark Egorho, please contact the HSI Tip Line at 866-347-2423.
HSI and IRS-CI investigated the case with the help of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Toronto Police Service and Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Galdo prosecuted the case.
Efevwerha facilitated the laundering of fraud proceeds by connecting launderers in the U.S. to fraudsters located overseas. The conspiracy used a network of individuals in the U.S. to receive victim money in U.S. bank accounts, often opened under fraudulent names, and transferred those funds to co-conspirators inside and outside of the U.S.
This case highlights the complexities of transnational organized crime and the importance of international cooperation in combating it.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Organized Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News