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Nigerian National Sentenced for Role in Fraud Scheme
Austin, TX – In a shocking turn of events, a federal judge has sentenced Akhabue Ehis Onoimoimilin, a 29-year-old Nigerian national residing in Houston, to 87 months of imprisonment for his participation in a money laundering conspiracy that swindled more than $2.2 million from victims using Business Email Compromise (BEC) and romance scams.
According to court documents, Onoimoimilin, also known as "David Harrison," used a fraudulent foreign passport to open bank accounts in Austin and Houston, which he used to receive, launder, and distribute wire transfers to co-conspirators illegally receiving proceeds of BEC and romance schemes.
As part of his scheme, Onoimoimilin collected between 10% and 15% of more than $420,000 in fraudulently obtained funds. The scammers targeted businesses and individuals making wire transfer payments, tricking employees into making payments to bank accounts thought to belong to trusted partners – except the money ended up in accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
Onoimoimilin’s role in the scheme was significant, as he was able to receive and launder millions of dollars in illicit funds. His actions have left a trail of financial devastation in their wake, with victims losing their life savings and retirement funds.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff stated, "These morally reprehensible schemes deprive people of their hard-earned money and even their entire life savings and retirement funds, leaving humiliation and financial ruin behind." Hoff added that the office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who conspire to prey on vulnerable victims in this manner.
Acting Special Agent in Charge Tim Tubbs of the Homeland Security Investigation’s San Antonio Division added, "The types of fraud committed by Mr. Onoimoimilin not only have lasting ramifications for the affected victims, but also threaten the integrity of our country’s financial systems."
In addition to his prison term, Onoimoimilin has been ordered to pay $865,210.78 in restitution to his victims and be placed on supervised release for two years after his prison term. A money judgment has also been entered against him in the amount of $50,605 for the proceeds he received from the scheme.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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