Names, photos of most wanted Nigerians in US — and their jail terms if convicted
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation has named four Nigerian nationals wanted in connection with an alleged Business Email Compromise (BEC) operation that caused losses of more than $6 million to over 70 American businesses.
The suspects—Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh, Felix Osilama Okpoh, Nnamdi Benson and Orson Benson Micheal Olorunyomi—are believed to be living in Nigeria, according to the FBI.
Federal arrest warrants were issued after indictments by the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska in Omaha. The suspects remain at large.
FBI alleges coordinated fraud and money-laundering network
The FBI said the investigation uncovered a network that allegedly combined spoofed business emails, fraudulent bank accounts, romance scams and money laundering.
Business Email Compromise schemes typically involve criminals impersonating company executives, suppliers or trusted business partners. Victims are then persuaded to authorise wire transfers to accounts controlled by the perpetrators or their associates.
In this case, investigators allege that funds stolen from American companies were moved through multiple individuals and bank accounts in the United States and abroad.
Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh
Uzuh, born on April 29, 1986, is accused of coordinating the alleged operation.
According to the FBI, he sent spoofed emails to thousands of businesses across the United States, attempting to deceive employees into approving fraudulent wire transfers. Investigators also allege that he worked with money launderers, romance scammers and other participants in broader BEC networks.
Uzuh was indicted on October 18, 2016, on charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Felix Osilama Okpoh
Okpoh, born on March 9, 1989, allegedly supplied hundreds of bank accounts used to receive stolen funds.
The FBI said accounts linked to Okpoh received fraudulent transfers worth more than $1 million from victim businesses. He was indicted on August 21, 2019, on a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Nnamdi Benson
Benson, born on March 21, 1987, is also wanted on a charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The charge relates to the alleged scheme that targeted more than 70 US businesses and generated losses exceeding $6 million.
Orson Benson Micheal Olorunyomi
Olorunyomi, born on May 12, 1983, is accused of operating romance fraud schemes targeting elderly and widowed victims.
The FBI alleges that those schemes caused more than $1 million in losses. Investigators further claim that bank accounts belonging to romance scam victims were later supplied to other suspects to receive money from separate fraud operations.
Olorunyomi was indicted on November 13, 2019, on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, identity theft and access device fraud.
Arrest warrants remain outstanding
Federal arrest warrants were issued after the indictments of each suspect. The FBI said all four men remain at large and are believed to be in Nigeria.
The publication of their names and photographs is part of the bureau’s effort to generate information that could assist investigators in locating and arresting them.
The allegations remain accusations unless and until proven in court.
What the case reveals about modern BEC fraud
The case illustrates how online fraud can extend beyond a single phishing email or fake invoice. According to the allegations, different participants performed separate roles, including targeting companies, supplying bank accounts and laundering proceeds.
That division of labour can make financial fraud more difficult to detect. A company may communicate with one impersonator, transfer money to an account controlled by another participant and later become connected to a wider network through financial tracing.
Businesses are generally advised to verify payment-change requests through a separate communication channel, use multi-factor authentication and establish approval procedures for high-value transfers.
FBI seeks information from the public
Anyone with information about the four suspects or their whereabouts is encouraged to contact the FBI. Information can be submitted through the bureau’s official channels or to the nearest FBI office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Business Email Compromise?
Business Email Compromise is a form of cyber-enabled fraud in which criminals impersonate trusted individuals or organisations to persuade victims to transfer money or disclose sensitive information.
How much money was allegedly stolen?
The FBI said the alleged operation caused losses exceeding $6 million to more than 70 US businesses.
Where are the four suspects believed to be?
The FBI believes all four suspects are currently living in Nigeria.
Who is Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh?
Uzuh is accused of coordinating the alleged BEC operation and sending spoofed emails to businesses. He faces wire fraud-related charges.
What charges does Olorunyomi face?
Olorunyomi faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, identity theft and access device fraud.
Have the suspects been convicted?
No. They have been indicted and remain wanted. The charges are a
llegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.