A Nigerian national based in the United States, Oluwole Adegboruwa, and his accomplice, Enrique Isong, have received lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in a major drug trafficking operation through the dark web. Adegboruwa, 54, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for masterminding the illicit drug network, which distributed oxycodone pills across the U.S. from 2016 to 2019. The operation generated millions of dollars, with Adegboruwa personally making around $9 million from the illegal trade. Additionally, he was ordered to forfeit over $20 million, marking one of the largest forfeitures in the U.S. District of Utah’s history.
Adegboruwa, who operated the dark web marketplace, coordinated the sale and distribution of over 300,000 oxycodone pills. He also oversaw the handling of profits, often in cryptocurrency, making it difficult for authorities to trace the financial transactions. Isong, 49, who played a role in the scheme, was sentenced to 10 years earlier in October 2024. The U.S. District Court’s sentencing of Adegboruwa came after a jury found both men guilty of conspiracy to distribute drugs and money laundering.
Adegboruwa’s network was highly organized, with members tasked with sourcing the pills, packaging, and shipping them to customers nationwide. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) highlighted the sophistication of Adegboruwa’s operation, emphasizing that even though he attempted to hide his earnings through cryptocurrency, law enforcement agencies were relentless in their pursuit of justice. The case serves as a strong reminder that the dark web, while offering anonymity, is not beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement.
Leave a Reply