A federal jury in New Haven, Connecticut, has convicted Okechuckwu Valentine Osuji, a Nigerian national, for orchestrating a business email compromise scheme that operated across multiple countries, including the United States. The scheme, which involved targeting individuals and businesses by posing as trustworthy entities in electronic communications, resulted in losses and intended losses totaling over $6.3 million.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division stated, "Osuji led a network of scammers in Malaysia and elsewhere in a sophisticated business email compromise scheme to defraud victims of millions of dollars."
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery for the District of Connecticut highlighted the collaborative efforts that led to the conviction, stating, "Today’s verdict demonstrates the expertise of the FBI and Stamford Police in uncovering this criminal network, and the shared commitment of our counterparts in Malaysia to ensure that fraudsters are held accountable in a court of law."
According to Executive Assistant Director Timothy R. Langan Jr. of the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response, and Services Branch, "The defendant perpetrated a complex international business email compromise scheme and laundered millions in stolen proceeds."
Special Agent in Charge Robert Fuller of the FBI New Haven Field Office expressed, "Today’s verdict provides a bit of closure to some victims of these often financially crippling crimes." He further emphasized the international collaboration that was instrumental in bringing Osuji to justice.
Osuji was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He is set to be sentenced on July 24 and could face a maximum penalty of 60 years in prison. Osuji was arrested in Malaysia and extradited to the United States in 2022.
The FBI New Haven Field Office and the Stamford Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Royal Malaysia Police, and Malaysian Attorney General’s Chambers. Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret M. Donovan for the District of Connecticut and Trial Attorney Lydia Lichlyter of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.
If individuals believe they have been victimized by Osuji or his alleged co-conspirators, they are encouraged to contact the FBI New Haven Field Office. Meanwhile, more information about business email compromise scams can be found on the FBI's website.
An important reminder is shared at the end of the article, stating that an indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.