Nigerian Extradited from Malaysia Sentenced to Eight Years in U.S. Prison for $6.3 Million Fraud

In a significant crackdown on international cybercrime, Nigerian national Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji has been sentenced to eight years in a U.S. federal prison for orchestrating a sophisticated business email compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded victims of over $6.3 million. Osuji, who was extradited from Malaysia to the United States in 2022, faced charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

Operating across multiple countries, Osuji and his co-conspirators targeted businesses by impersonating trusted entities through fraudulent emails. They deceived victims into transferring substantial funds into accounts controlled by the fraudsters. The illicit proceeds were then funneled through a network of “money mules” to obscure the origins and beneficiaries of the stolen money.

Following his extradition, Osuji stood trial in New Haven, Connecticut, where a federal jury convicted him on all counts. The court imposed a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft and additional time for the wire fraud charges, culminating in an eight-year prison term. The sentencing judge emphasized the severity of the offenses and the necessity for substantial penalties to deter similar future crimes.

Osuji’s alleged accomplice, John Wamuigah, remains in Malaysia awaiting extradition proceedings. Another co-conspirator, Tolulope Bodunde, pleaded guilty earlier this year and is pending sentencing. The FBI’s New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department led the investigation, with significant assistance from international law enforcement agencies, underscoring the global collaboration required to combat such transnational criminal activities.

This case highlights the persistent threat posed by BEC schemes and the critical importance of vigilance in electronic communications. Organizations are urged to implement robust cybersecurity measures and educate employees about the risks associated with unsolicited emails and unexpected fund transfer requests. The successful prosecution of Osuji serves as a stark reminder of the legal repercussions awaiting those who engage in cyber fraud, regardless of their location.