France-Based Nigerian Extradited to US, Faces 47 Years in Jail over $819,000 Fraud
- 39-year-old Nigerian national, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, has been extradited from France to the United States of America
- The Nigerian national would face up to 47 years’ imprisonment for his alleged involvement in wire fraud
- The US Department of Justice issued a statement detailing how Amachukwu and other conspirators allegedly hacked into US-based tax preparation businesses
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
United States - A Nigerian national, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, is facing up to 47 years’ imprisonment for his alleged involvement in wire fraud, hacking, and identity theft amounting to $819,000.
The France-based Nigerian was extradited to the United States of America on Monday, August 4, and arraigned on Tuesday before a US Magistrate Court.
Source: Getty Images
The 39-year-old Nigerian was arraigned before US District Judge Paul Gardephe on five counts relating to conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The US Department of Justice, Amachukwu, along with other conspirators, allegedly hacked into “US-based tax preparation businesses in New York, Texas, and other states in 20219.
“Amachukwu, 39, of Nigeria, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
“Two counts of wire fraud, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison.”
According to the statement, the suspects utilised spearphishing emails to obtain access to these businesses’ electronic systems.”
Amachukwu and his gang allegedly proceeded to steal the identities of several individuals, which were then used to file fraudulent tax returns with the US Internal Revenue Service.
The statement from the US Department of Justice partially read that:
“The conspirators sought fraudulent refunds of at least approximately $8.4 million, of which they successfully obtained at least approximately $2.5 million.
“In addition to filing fraudulent tax returns, the conspirators used the stolen identities to file fraudulent claims with the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan programme.
“The conspirators were able to obtain at least an additional approximately $819,000 in fraudulent payouts.”
The statement added that following investigations, Amachukwu was arrested in France and faces a maximum sentence of 47 years if convicted.
Source: Twitter
Nigerians jailed by US court over N2b fraud
Recall that the United States district court in Michigan sentenced three Nigerians to prison for their involvement in a $2 million wire fraud scheme targeting elderly individuals.
The defendants conspired with individuals in Nigeria to defraud US residents using false online personas and voice-over-Internet-protocol numbers.
The court imposed various prison terms and probation on the defendants, who received over $2 million from the scheme between 2017 and 2022.
Nigerians face 62-year prison terms U.S. fraud case
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that two Nigerians and four accomplices faced 62-year prison sentences for allegedly defrauding U.S. government programmes of $50 million through counterfeit checks and identity theft.
The syndicate operated a sophisticated scheme using stolen identities, insider bank assistance, and a detailed "fraud bible" to exploit COVID-era relief funds and other federal programs.
U.S. authorities uncovered the operation through digital evidence, including a Telegram group where members openly discussed their fraudulent activities.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
