This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
On August 22, 2019, US federal prosecutors announced charges against 80 suspects, mostly Nigerians, in a widespread conspiracy scamming elderly individuals and businesses out of millions of dollars.
The suspects, who face charges of stealing at least $46 million (Ksh. 460 million) through various schemes, include romance scams and business email compromise claims.
According to FBI Assistant Director in Charge Paul Delacourt, the victims were used primarily as money mules, allowing their bank accounts to be used to transfer stolen funds.
Law enforcement officers arrested 14 people in the United States on Thursday, with 11 from South Carolina, as part of a 252-count indictment.
US Attorney Nick Hanna stated, "We believe this is one of the largest cases of its kind in U.S. history," and that the indictment is a major step to disrupt these criminal networks.
All defendants will face charges of conspiracy to commit fraud, conspiracy to launder money, and aggravated identity theft.
