Federal government indicts six Nigerian citizens for roles in online scheme News
madartzgraphics / Pixabay
Federal government indicts six Nigerian citizens for roles in online scheme

The US Attorney’s Office in Nebraska on Tuesday announced the federal indictment of six Nigerian citizens for their roles in an online defrauding scheme.

The individuals were involved in Business Email Compromise (BEC) schemes, which are cyber crimes that involve electronic transfer payments or automated clearinghouse transfers. They posed as business executives and love interests to persuade victims to send money. The victims lived in Nebraska and in other states.

The indictments charge the defendants with one or more of the following federal crimes: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, identity theft, and access device fraud. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000. Identity theft and access device fraud are each punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.

Financial sanctions have been imposed on each of the six individuals, so all property and interests in property held by them and subject to US jurisdiction are blocked. The law enforcement action taken for these prosecutions was assisted by law enforcement in Nigeria.

The six individuals charged are still at large.