GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Festus Akpobonme, a dual Nigerian and Canadian citizen, was slammed with an 87-month federal prison sentence in Austin, Texas, for his role in a $3.9 million fraud conspiracy.
Akpobonme, also known as Ejiro Efevwerha, orchestrated the laundering of stolen funds through US bank accounts, often using fraudulent names, to funnel money to international conspirators. His sophisticated scheme included scams like romance, inheritance, and lottery frauds over three years.
The DOJ’s Western District of Texas Attorney Jaime Esparza hailed the sentence as a victory against cross-border crime, noting that such schemes prey on the elderly and vulnerable.
“Fraudulent schemes are disgraceful, especially when they target innocent populations,” Esparza said. “HSI will continue to work with international partners to end these criminal organizations.”
Efevwerha’s co-conspirator, Ochuko Sylvester Eruotor, received a 168-month sentence in 2018, while the remaining seven defendants were sentenced to a combined total of 446 months. The investigation was a collaborative effort between HSI, IRS-CI, and international law enforcement agencies.
Law enforcement officials are still hunting for Ejovwoke Mark Egorho, the fugitive co-conspirator. Anyone with information is urged to call the HSI Tip Line at 866-347-2423.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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