NEWARK, N.J. – Hamilton Eromosele, 29, is headed to federal prison for nine years and two months after masterminding a brazen, multi-million dollar credit card fraud operation that spanned the nation. U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced the sentencing today, bringing a measure of justice to the thousands of account holders victimized by Eromosele’s scheme.
Eromosele, who pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud before U.S. District Court Judge William J. Martini, built his criminal enterprise from 2015 through 2018. Operating out of the New Jersey/New York area, he orchestrated a network of ‘shoppers’ who traveled across the country, racking up fraudulent purchases with stolen credit card information. The sentencing was delivered via videoconference.
The scheme was disturbingly simple, yet remarkably effective. Eromosele sourced stolen credit card data from the dark web and other illicit channels. He then recruited individuals – often vulnerable women lured through social media with promises of quick cash – to fly to various states and make purchases. These purchases weren’t for personal gain, but for Eromosele’s profit. He directed his crew to buy gift cards, airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and other goods and services using the compromised accounts.
The scale of the fraud was staggering. Eromosele’s network made trips to Colorado, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Montana, Indiana, Ohio, Arizona, and Georgia, amassing over $3.5 million in fraudulent purchases using the details of more than 4,000 stolen credit card accounts. Eromosele collected the fraudulently obtained goods – particularly gift cards and luxury items – and resold them for cash, splitting a percentage with his co-conspirators.
Judge Martini didn’t just hand down the 110-month prison sentence; he also ordered three years of supervised release upon Eromosele’s eventual release. The U.S. Secret Service, led by Special Agent in Charge Mark McKevitt, conducted the investigation that brought Eromosele to justice. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Macurdy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark prosecuted the case.
This case serves as a grim reminder that the dark web remains a fertile ground for financial crime. While Eromosele is behind bars, the threat of similar schemes persists, and the Secret Service will continue to pursue those who exploit stolen financial information. Victims of credit card fraud should immediately report suspicious activity to their bank and consider filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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