Three Nigerians Named on FBI’s Most-Wanted List for Alleged $6M Fraud Scheme
Three Nigerians, Nnamdi Benson, Richard Uzuh, and Felix Okpoh, have been added to the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Most-Wanted List for their alleged roles in a $6 million Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme. The trio reportedly defrauded over 70 businesses in the U.S. using sophisticated cybercrime tactics, according to notices published on the FBI’s website.
The alleged scheme involved the use of spoofed emails and fraudulent wire transfers, targeting unsuspecting businesses. The FBI notes that the suspects conspired to launder proceeds from these scams through an intricate network of collaborators in the United States and abroad.
Details of the Allegations
Nnamdi Benson
Benson is accused of providing bank accounts to facilitate the receipt of funds from fraudulent transactions. He is also alleged to have engaged in romance and advance-fee fraud schemes independently. In August 2019, he was indicted in the U.S. District Court, District of Nebraska, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A federal warrant for his arrest was issued the following day.
The FBI notice states:
“Benson allegedly provided bank accounts to Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh that were used to receive fraudulent wire transfers. On August 21, 2019, Benson, along with Felix Osilama Okpoh and Abiola Ayorinde Kayode, was indicted for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.”
Felix Okpoh
Okpoh is accused of supplying hundreds of bank accounts to Uzuh and other co-conspirators, enabling the transfer of over $1 million in fraudulent proceeds. Like Benson, he was indicted in August 2019 and is wanted on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The FBI highlights:
“Bank accounts provided by Okpoh received fraudulent wire transfers from victim businesses totaling over $1 million.”
Richard Uzuh
Uzuh is alleged to have orchestrated the fraudulent scheme by sending spoofed emails to businesses across the U.S., requesting wire transfers. He reportedly worked closely with other members of the syndicate, including money launderers and romance scammers, to move stolen funds.
Uzuh’s indictment dates back to October 2016, making him the earliest member of the trio to be charged. The FBI stated:
“Uzuh allegedly worked with money launderers, romance scammers, and others involved in BEC schemes to launder proceeds of their crimes.”
Extradition of Co-Conspirator Abiola Kayode
The case has seen recent developments, with the extradition of a key member of the syndicate, Abiola Ayorinde Kayode, from Ghana to the United States. Kayode was arrested in Ghana in April 2023 following an indictment filed in Nebraska in August 2019.
On December 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska confirmed Kayode’s extradition. He is now in U.S. custody and faces prosecution for his alleged involvement in the cybercrime network.
FBI’s Warning and Public Appeal
The FBI continues to urge individuals with information on the whereabouts of Benson, Uzuh, and Okpoh to come forward. The agency has emphasized the global reach of BEC schemes and the devastating financial impact on victims.
Business Email Compromise remains one of the costliest forms of cybercrime, with perpetrators leveraging fake identities, fraudulent communications, and elaborate laundering networks to exploit victims.