BOSTON — A Nigerian national has been brought to justice for using online scams to defraud victims during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Esogie Osawaru, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, a charge that carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Osawaru was arrested in June 2020, along with co-defendant Nosayamen Iyalekhue. The two allegedly participated in a series of online scams, including romance, pandemic unemployment insurance, and other schemes, designed to convince victims to send money to accounts controlled by the defendants.
Osawaru and Iyalekhue allegedly used fake foreign passports, complete with the photos of others, to open numerous bank accounts. They then directed victims to send money to these accounts, which they rapidly withdrew from various bank branches and ATMs, often multiple times in a single day.
The schemes also included collecting unemployment insurance in the name of others during the pandemic. The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater, and forfeiture.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom of Lelling’s Securities, Financial and Cyber Fraud Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant, Nosayamen Iyalekhue, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Osawaru’s sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2021. He is also subject to deportation proceedings.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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