Six Nigerians have been declared wanted by the United States(US) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in connection with cybercrimes.
FBI labelled them as international flight risks.
The individuals are: Felix Osilama Okpoh; Alex Afolabi Ogunsakin; Micheal Olorunyomi; Richard Izuchukwu Uzhi; Nnamdi Orson Benson; and Abiola Ayorinde Kayode.
The FBI has described them as “cyber’s most wanted,” explaining that, these individuals are currently residing in Nigeria.
In an urgent plea to the public, the agency has urged people to contact the nearest FBI office or the American embassy with any information regarding their whereabouts.
The FBI’s interest in these suspects is due to their alleged involvement in a series of criminal activities, spanning romance scams, fraudulent wire transfers, and advanced fee fraud schemes.
The details of their suspected crimes are: Micheal Olorunyomi: Wanted for his alleged role in a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded over 70 U.S. businesses, resulting in losses exceeding $6 million. He is also accused of conducting romance fraud, defrauding vulnerable individuals of over $1 million.
Abiola Ayorinde Kayode: Sought for his purported involvement in a BEC scheme that defrauded numerous U.S. businesses, resulting in losses exceeding $6 million.
He allegedly facilitated fraudulent wire transfers and engaged in BEC and romance frauds.
Nnamdi Orson Benson: Wanted for his alleged participation in a BEC scheme with similar financial consequences. He is accused of providing bank accounts for receiving fraudulent wire transfers and participating in romance and advanced fee fraud schemes.
Richard Izuchukwu Uzhi: Faces allegations of participating in a BEC scheme, along with co-conspirators, which defrauded numerous U.S. businesses of over $6 million. He is also accused of money laundering and collaborating with others involved in BEC schemes. Advertisement Felix Osilama Okpoh: Wanted for his alleged role in a BEC scheme that defrauded numerous U.S. businesses of over $6 million. He is accused of providing bank accounts for fraudulent wire transfers, resulting in losses exceeding $1 million.
Alex Afolabi Ogunsakin: Sought for involvement in a BEC scheme that caused substantial financial losses to multiple U.S. businesses. He is accused of providing bank accounts for fraudulent wire transfers and participating in these schemes by sending spoofed emails.
This development adds to the growing list of Nigerians implicated in various criminal activities and scams. Some have already faced legal consequences, including incarceration, while others are currently facing legal action in the United States.
This is coming in the wake of high-profile cases involving Nigerian individuals such as Ramon Abass (Hushpuppi), Abba Kyari, Olalekan Ponle (Woodberry), and Obinwanne Okeke (Invictus Obi), who have faced legal actions for their involvement in cybercrimes and fraud schemes.
