THREE NIGERIANS JAILED FOR COVID FUNDS SCAM.

Three Nigerian men has been sentenced by US Federal court for their involvement in a COVID-19 unemployment fraud scheme. This scheme stole over $520,000 from various state and federal programs. The convicted individuals are Kamaldeen Karaole, 24, and Johnson Omodusonu, 24, and Stephen Olamigoke, 23.

The investigation involved the FBI, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon handed down the sentences, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller led the prosecution.

THE SCAM:

Court documents reveal that the three Nigerians jailed for covid funds scam conspired with accomplices outside the U.S. from August to October 2020. They targeted 168 unemployment insurance debit cards and PINs issued in California, Arizona, and Nevada. By using stolen identities, they filed fraudulent claims and loaded benefits onto these cards.

They exploited the system and made 529 ATM withdrawals around Indianapolis using 98 of the cards. Many of these transactions occurred within minutes of each other. This theft drained funds intended to support workers who lost their jobs during the pandemic.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Tom Wheeler, condemned the act of these three Nigerians jailed for Covid funds scam as “heartless and criminal.” He emphasized that these men exploited a system designed to help people during a significant crisis.

THE SENTENCE:

The sentences for the three Nigerians jailed for covid funds scam includes:

Karaole received a sentence of four years and three months in prison. He also faces two years of supervised release. He was found guilty of aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, and access device fraud. Meanwhile, Olamigoke received a two and a half year prison term, along with two years of supervised release. He acknowledged that he would be deported after serving his sentence. Omodusonu received a two-year prison sentence, followed by two years of supervised release. Each man must pay restitution of $520,910.

Officials from the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the FBI also criticized the scheme. They pledged to continue protecting public funds from such abuse.