A Nigerian man, Okechukwu Osuji, has been convicted by a federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut, for his involvement in a sophisticated business email compromise scheme.
Osuji, along with his accomplices John Wamuigah and Tolulope Bodunde, defrauded their victims of over $6.3 million across multiple countries, including the United States.
The verdict, announced by the US Department of Justice, includes convictions for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri highlighted Osuji’s leadership in orchestrating the scam, which operated from Malaysia and other locations.
US Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the expertise of the FBI and Stamford Police in uncovering the criminal network.
She also commended the cooperation of authorities in Malaysia, reflecting a shared commitment to holding fraudsters accountable.
Executive Assistant Director Timothy R. Langan Jr. of the FBI emphasized the international collaboration that led to Osuji’s conviction, underscoring the agency’s determination to pursue justice for victims of cybercrime.
Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Field Office expressed gratitude to all law enforcement partners involved in the investigation.
Osuji, who was deported from Malaysia, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24. He faces a mandatory minimum of two years for identity theft and a maximum penalty of 60 years for wire fraud and conspiracy charges.
While Osuji’s alleged co-conspirator, Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia pending extradition proceedings, another accomplice, Bodunde, pleaded guilty earlier this year.
