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Nigerian National Busted in $Millions Email Scam
A 33-year-old Houston man has been taken into custody for his role in a large-scale business email compromise and money laundering scheme. Edikan Adiakpan, 33, is expected to make his initial appearance at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray after a federal grand jury in Houston returned a three-count indictment on June 11. The indictment charges Adiakpan with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and illegal money transmission.
The scheme, which targeted companies in at least eight states, including a California research group focused on developing treatments for U.S. veterans, allegedly involved “spoofed” emails that appeared to come from known suppliers and creditors. The victims were tricked into sending payments to bank accounts the fraudsters controlled instead of the actual suppliers. According to the charges, the conspirators laundered the funds by quickly transferring the money between multiple bank accounts they controlled, before converting the funds into cashier’s checks. Adiakpan allegedly cashed the checks and kept a percentage as a fee.
Another Nigerian citizen, Ayobami Omoniyi, 26, was previously charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of the same scheme and is awaiting sentencing before U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen. If convicted, Adiakpan faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges, and up to five years for the illegal money transmitting charge. Each conviction carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Authorities say the scheme was carried out in 2021, with the conspirators targeting multiple states across the country. The victims were allegedly tricked into sending payments to bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters, which were then laundered and converted into cashier’s checks. Adiakpan allegedly cashed the checks and kept a percentage as a fee.
The investigation into the scheme was conducted by the FBI – Houston and its Bryan Resident Agency, as well as the IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Christine Lu are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. Adiakpan is set to appear in court on Friday, with his initial appearance scheduled for 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray. The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by business email compromise schemes, which continue to target unsuspecting victims across the country.
The scheme highlights the need for vigilance and awareness among businesses and individuals when it comes to email communications. The public is reminded to be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails, and to verify the authenticity of any communications before taking action. The case is a testament to the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat financial crimes and protect the public from harm.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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