An Indiana man, Tochukwu Nwosisi, 52, has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for his involvement in an international advance-fee scheme orchestrated from Nigeria that defrauded victims worldwide of over $5.6 million.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Nwosisi participated in the scheme from at least February 2015 to January 2018. The scheme involved fraudulent offers of investment funding and inheritances to victims around the world.
Nwosisi’s role was to act as a money launderer, accepting victim funds into his U.S.-based bank accounts and directing the proceeds to the ringleaders in Nigeria.
Read: $344 Million NIH-Funded Intervention Fails To Reduce Opioid Overdose Deaths
A federal jury in Houston convicted Nwosisi in March of conspiracy to commit money laundering and concealment money laundering. In addition to the prison sentence, Nwosisi has been ordered to pay $905,945 in restitution and will serve two years of supervised release following his prison term.
The sentencing judge, U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett, emphasized the severity of Nwosisi’s crimes and the real impact they had on victims around the world, stating that “today is the day for accountability.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Department of State Office of Inspector General. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas both expressed satisfaction with the sentence, emphasizing the importance of holding those who participate in such schemes accountable for their actions.
This case serves as a reminder of the dangers of advance-fee schemes and the importance of being cautious when dealing with unsolicited offers of financial gain.
Help support the Tampa Free Press by making any small donation by clicking here.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.