SEATTLE – A Nigerian conman named Onomen Uduebor, also known as Onomen Onohi, 39, has been handed a 40-month sentence for orchestrating a massive identity theft and tax refund fraud scheme that targeted American companies and individuals.
The defendant was extradited from the UK after being indicted in the Western District of Washington. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced the sentencing in U.S. District Court in Seattle, where Judge James L. Robart emphasized Uduebor’s significant role in the scheme, stating, ‘Thirty years old is not a young man and he ought to have known better.’
Miller detailed how Uduebor and his conspirators deceived companies into providing sensitive W-2 information by posing as top executives. When faced with resistance from HR departments, they employed email berating tactics. The fraudulent scheme resulted in over 300 fake tax returns seeking more than $1 million in refunds.
Uduebor admitted to filing 150 of these false returns and directing the proceeds into bank accounts under victims’ names. Despite the IRS intercepting most of the fraudulent claims, the damage was done, leaving individuals with the stress of identity theft and financial turmoil. The total restitution owed to the U.S. Treasury is $122,720.
Assistant United States Attorney Miriam Hinman argued for a three-year sentence, highlighting the scheme’s impact on taxpayers and companies. In court, Uduebor expressed remorse, attributing his actions to desperation in pursuing a music career. He will be deported back to Nigeria upon serving his sentence. The IRS-CI investigated the case, with prosecution led by Hinman and assistance from the DOJ’s Office of International Affairs.
Related Federal Cases
- Macon Tax Preparer Willie Grant Sentenced For ID Theft & Fraud · Washington
- Tax Fraud Kingpin Colaco Sentenced to Nine Years · Washington
- Tacoma Fraudster Pleads Guilty to $1.8M Tax Refund Scheme · Washington
- Stahlman Nabbed for $95K Tax Refund Scam · Washington
- Whidbey Island Couple Sentenced for Tax Fraud · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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