U.S. Court Sentences Tunde Ayeni to 10 Years for Internet Fraud, Orders $20 Million Restitution
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama has sentenced Babatunde Ayeni, a Nigerian internet fraudster, to 10 years in prison and ordered him to pay nearly $20 million in restitution to his victims.
Mr. Ayeni pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, leading to his 120-month sentence. According to court filings obtained by Peoples Gazette, Judge Terry Moorer delivered the verdict on October 31.
The court found that Mr. Ayeni, along with his co-conspirators Feyisayo Oyindola Oginsanwo and Yusuf Olasunkanmi Lasisi, was responsible for defrauding multiple individuals and entities of $19,599,969. Although Mr. Ayeni ceased his fraudulent activities in April 2019, he was held accountable for his past actions.
Acknowledging Mr. Ayeni’s financial inability to pay, the court waived interest on the restitution. However, he remains obligated to repay the amount in full alongside his accomplices.
Upon completion of his sentence, the U.S. immigration authorities will decide whether Mr. Ayeni will face deportation or remain in the United States under three years of supervised release with strict conditions.
Mr. Ayeni’s conviction adds to the growing list of Nigerians prosecuted for internet fraud in the United States. High-profile cases include Abidemi Rufai, an associate of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who was recently released, and others like Ray Hushpuppi and Mr. Woodberry, who have faced similar charges.
The U.S. continues to crack down on cybercrime, emphasizing its commitment to protecting citizens and businesses from online fraud.