Nigerian Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Email Fraud Scheme

Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, a 39-year-old Nigerian, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for his involvement in a fraudulent business email scheme that operated across several countries, including the United States.

Osuji’s conviction was announced on December 5, 2024, following his arrest in Malaysia and subsequent extradition to the U.S. in 2022.

The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed the sentencing information, detailing how Osuji and his accomplices deceived individuals and businesses by pretending to be reputable organizations in their electronic communications to misappropriate funds.

They employed both aware and unaware “money mules” to handle the stolen funds. This involved transferring money from these mules’ accounts to accounts controlled by Osuji and his associates or turning the stolen money into cash for further transfers.

Throughout the fraudulent operation, many victims were manipulated into depositing funds into accounts they believed belonged to legitimate businesses. Instead, these accounts were managed by Osuji and his partners.

Among the victims were various organizations, including a financial firm in Connecticut, a lending company in Colorado, a performing arts nonprofit in Alaska, and a food and beverage company in New York.

The scheme notably exploited vulnerable individuals, including the elderly in romance scams, with one victim recounting how she was tricked into transferring her savings—including Social Security income—to someone she thought was her romantic partner, who was actually one of Osuji’s accomplices.

This deception drained her life savings, forced her into bankruptcy, and ultimately led to the loss of her home. Her bank account was also misused to facilitate fraud against one of Osuji’s targeted companies.

After being extradited, Osuji was found guilty on May 1, 2024, of charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, resulting in over $6 million in losses. During his sentencing, he was ordered to compensate his victims.

John Wamuigah, one of Osuji’s alleged accomplices, is currently in Malaysia facing extradition proceedings. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Another conspirator, Tolulope Bodunde, also from Nigeria, pleaded guilty and received a two-year prison sentence on October 16.

The announcement of Osuji’s sentencing was made by Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, and FBI New Haven Field Office Special Agent Robert Fuller.

This case was investigated by the FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department, with international cooperation from the Malaysian authorities which played a crucial role in Osuji’s arrest and extradition.

Prosecution was led by Trial Attorney Lydia Lichlyter and Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel for the District of Connecticut.