HOUSTON, TX – A brazen international fraud scheme targeting victims across the globe has landed Uche Victor Diuno, 57, in federal prison. Diuno was sentenced to 60 months and ordered to pay $5,693,648 in restitution for his key role in a conspiracy that bilked individuals and businesses out of nearly $5.7 million, authorities announced today.
According to court documents, Diuno pleaded guilty on February 1st, admitting to orchestrating a team of fraudsters who impersonated bank executives. The operation preyed on victims in over 20 countries, promising fake investments and inheritances. The scam, running from October 2014 to September 2018, funneled stolen funds – and even luxury vehicles – back to the scheme’s leaders in Nigeria. U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani minced no words, stating Diuno “helped orchestrate” the criminal enterprise.
The scheme wasn’t just about deception; it was a carefully constructed web of lies. Diuno and his co-conspirators utilized multiple aliases to appear legitimate, convincing victims the promises were real. Once payments were made, Diuno directed a co-conspirator to disburse the funds, laundering the money through U.S. bank accounts and ultimately sending it overseas. Part of the scheme involved purchasing vehicles, which were then shipped back to Nigeria, enriching the masterminds behind the operation. Diuno himself acknowledged the “great harm” he caused to the victims, expressing regret for his actions during the sentencing hearing.
“Diuno helped orchestrate a team of fraudsters impersonating bank executives to pitch fake investments and fake payouts to real victims around the world,” Hamdani stated. “This international operation…stole millions…all to funnel money and Land Rovers to his boss in Nigeria. Now, the only traveling Diuno will do will be from a prison yard back to his cell.” FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams emphasized the complexity of the case, highlighting the diligent work of agents and collaboration with the Department of State’s Office of Inspector General (DOS-OIG).
The investigation revealed that scammers established fraudulent web domains and exploited visits to U.S. embassies worldwide to further their deceit. DOS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Christopher Hileman affirmed the agency’s commitment to pursuing international fraud schemes. Diuno, who is not a U.S. citizen, will face removal proceedings after completing his 60-month sentence. The FBI and DOS-OIG jointly conducted the investigation, with the prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Latham and Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section.
Authorities urge anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this or similar scams to visit www.ic3.gov for information and resources. Diuno remains in custody pending transfer to a designated U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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