Senate orders crackdown on bandits flaunting crime cash on TikTok

Toledo, Ohio - By Prime Brief Media

A United States federal jury has convicted 25 defendants for their roles in a sprawling international business email compromise scheme that defrauded more than 1,000 victims across 47 American states and 19 countries of approximately $215 million, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Ohio confirmed Thursday.

The convictions, secured on 24 April 2026 after a four-day trial presided over by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp II, included 10 defendants identified as Nigerian nationals or naturalised U.S. citizens of Nigerian descent. Among those convicted are Emmanuel Okereke (42), Olalekan Bashiru (36), Jeremiah Agina (29), Ademola Balogun (43), Ayobami Osas Christopher (30), Ayorinde Emmanuel Adebayo (35), Olabode Bankole (37), Chukwuemeka Evulukwu (35), Kingsley Owusu (37), and Oluwafemi Michael Awoyemi (40). Awoyemi, alongside Aruan Drake and Peter Reed, was found guilty of Wire Fraud Conspiracy; Awoyemi and Drake were additionally convicted of Money Laundering Conspiracy.

According to court documents, the defendants—part of Nigerian-linked fraud organisations—gained unauthorised access to victims' email accounts, monitored communications to learn business practices and contacts, then sent fraudulent payment requests crafted to appear legitimate. Once payments were obtained, the conspirators laundered funds through a web of fraudulently created bank accounts and cash transfer systems.

Approximately $50 million of the stolen money was used to purchase cashier's cheques presented to the New Dolton Currency Exchange, a Chicago-area money service business owned by co-defendant Lon Goodman. Goodman accepted cashier's cheques from individuals presenting false identifications and routinely accepted false Know-Your-Customer (KYC) information despite repeated warnings from banks.

International victims were identified in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Panama, Bermuda, and Romania. Wire transfers ranged from tens of thousands to millions of dollars; in one instance, a victim business sent $2.7 million to a shell company account controlled by a conspirator.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) disclosed Thursday that it recorded over 1,500 cyberattack attempts within a short period, forcing a temporary shutdown of the commission's network. National Commissioner Dr Vincent Olatunji described the shutdown as a preventive security measure. "Cyberattacks are no longer occasional; they are constant. Organisations must monitor their systems round the clock and remain up to date with security protocols," Olatunji said. He highlighted a critical shortage of qualified Data Protection Officers, warning that many organisations lack adequate capacity to safeguard sensitive information. On ransomware, Olatunji cautioned against paying ransoms, stating: "Once you pay, you empower attackers. The focus should be on strengthening systems to prevent breaches."

In parallel, EFCC Executive Chairman Ola Olukoyede warned fintech CEOs on 30 April 2026 that "one transaction mishandled can destroy what you have built for ten years," urging tightened KYC processes and strict compliance with regulations on reporting suspicious transactions to close channels exploited for terrorism financing and ransom payments. Sentencing for the U.S. defendants will be determined after consideration of each individual's prior record and role in the offence. Prime Brief Media will continue monitoring both the international prosecutions and Nigeria's domestic cybersecurity response.

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