Money Laundering, Wire Fraud, New York 2020

Eleven individuals have been charged with participating in a large-scale money laundering ring that duped victims into sending over $5 million.

The defendants, who include Jacob Sagiao, Marylynn Peneueta, Britt Jackson, Joshua Fitten, Dontae Cottrell, Arinze Obika, Herman Bass, David Uro, and Prince Uko, were arrested and charged with money laundering and wire fraud schemes.

Eight of the defendants were presented before United States Magistrate Judges in three federal judicial districts on February 27 and 28. Prince Uko will be presented before a United States Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Georgia later today.

Victor Ahaiwe and Ndukwu Anyaogu, two other defendants, remain at large.

The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, the Secret Service, CBP, and the FBI worked together to take down the ring.

The allegations state that the defendants conspired to launder the proceeds of online fraud schemes that deceived victims into sending the defendants over $5 million. According to the U.S. Attorney, the defendants used this money for their own gain.

The Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Patrick Freaney, stated that the agency is dedicated to pursuing those responsible for cyber-enabled fraud.

CBP Director of New York Field Operations, Troy Miller, said that this case exemplifies the collaborative law enforcement efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations.

The FBI Assistant Director, William F. Sweeney Jr., emphasized the importance of exercising due diligence in online settings to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.

The defendants are charged with money laundering and wire fraud, and will face serious federal charges. The case is ongoing.

According to the allegations, the defendants received and laundered the proceeds of three business email compromise schemes, in which corporate and organizational victims were fraudulently induced to send nearly $5 million to bank accounts controlled by the defendants.

One of the defendants, Britt Jackson, also participated in an online romance fraud scheme, in which the victim was fraudulently induced to send over $130,000 to Jackson and others.

The defendants will face serious federal charges. The case is ongoing.

Defendant: Jacob Sagiao, Marylynn Peneueta, Britt Jackson, Joshua Fitten, Dontae Cottrell, Arinze Obika, Herman Bass, David Uro, Prince Uko, Victor Ahaiwe, Ndukwu Anyaogu

Criminal Charges: Money laundering and wire fraud

Date: February 27-28, 2020 (arrests)

Status: Currently in custody, with the exception of two defendants who remain at large.

Amount: Over $5 million

Location: New York City, New York

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/11-members-money-laundering-ring-charged