Fatiu Ismaila Lawal, a Nigerian man residing in Canada, was sentenced to 54 months in prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. U.S. District Court Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright presided over the case in Tacoma, highlighting the crime's extensive planning. "This took advantage of programs designed to help people who were really struggling in an international emergency," she stated.
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman remarked on Lawal's fraudulent activities: "This defendant made it his full-time job to defraud the U.S. for years before the pandemic, but he kicked it into high gear once critical aid to Americans workers was flowing." She noted that Lawal used stolen identities from Washington residents to file numerous unemployment claims early in the pandemic.
Records indicate that Lawal and his co-defendant Sakiru Olanrewaju Ambali filed over 1,700 claims across more than 25 states, including Washington State. These claims sought around $25 million, with approximately $2.7 million obtained from pandemic unemployment benefits alone. Lawal admitted personal responsibility for claims totaling $1,345,472.
Lawal submitted at least 790 unemployment claims using stolen identities and established internet domains for fraudulent purposes. He also filed 3,000 income tax returns between 2018 and November 2022 seeking $7.5 million in refunds; however, only $30,000 was paid by the IRS due to detected fraud.
Adam Jobes of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office commented on the disruption caused by these actions: “While Mr. Lawal may not have secured the $7.5 million he sought from fraudulent tax refunds, each of the 3,000 returns he filed represents a life he disrupted.”
Attempts were also made by Lawal and Ambali to exploit Economic Injury Disaster Loans through false applications using stolen identities; however, most attempts were intercepted by SBA.
The funds from their fraudulent activities were directed through cash cards or transferred via "money mules." Evidence shows that Lawal received a significant portion of these proceeds and has been ordered to pay restitution amounting to $1,345,472.
Ambali received a sentence of 42 months in March 2024.
In advocating for a longer sentence for Lawal, prosecutors emphasized: “During major disasters and nationwide emergencies...the actual monetary loss...comes secondary to...difficulty accessing assistance because a fraudulent claim was already paid."
The investigation involved multiple agencies including FBI and IRS-CI among others with prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang.
For further information on COVID-19 related fraud prevention efforts visit [DOJ website](https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus). Reports can be made via [NCDF Web Complaint Form](https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form).