Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, a 39-year-old Nigerian national, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by a U.S. court for orchestrating a sophisticated business email compromise scheme.
The sentencing took place in New Haven, Connecticut, following Osuji's extradition from Malaysia in 2022.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Osuji was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
His fraudulent activities resulted in over $6 million in losses and intended losses, affecting numerous victims across various sectors, including a Connecticut-based financial company and an Alaska-based nonprofit performing arts organization.
According to court documents, Osuji and his co-conspirators impersonated credible entities in electronic communications to deceive individuals and businesses into transferring funds into accounts they controlled.
"They used witting and unwitting 'money mules' to receive fraud proceeds," the court documents revealed, highlighting the complexity of the operation.
One particularly harrowing case involved an elderly woman who was manipulated through a romance scam, leading to the depletion of her life savings and eventual bankruptcy. Her personal bank account was also exploited to facilitate further fraud.
Osuji's arrest and extradition were made possible through the collaborative efforts of the FBI New Haven Field Office, the Stamford Police Department, and international partners, including the Royal Malaysia Police and the Malaysian Attorney General's Chambers.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri praised the international cooperation, stating, "This case exemplifies the importance of global partnerships in tackling transnational crime."
While Osuji faces justice in the United States, his alleged co-conspirator, John Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia pending extradition proceedings. Another accomplice, Tolulope Bodunde, has already been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty.
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