Seven Nigerian pickers arrested in U.S. for laundering $8 million
Seven individuals from Nigeria, acting as intermediaries to facilitate the transfer of $8 million, proceeds from romance scams orchestrated by Nigerian Internet fraudsters commonly known as Yahoo Boys, have been apprehended and brought before the court.
The suspects, identified as Bolanle Christina Odeyale, 39, residing in Forney, Texas; Oghenemine Jeffrey Agbroko, 34, based in Nigeria; Charles Owhonigho Emurotu, 40, residing in Ontario, Canada;
Jimmy Iwezu, 44, also residing in Forney, Texas; Lori Tsoritse, 38, based in Nigeria; Christopher Onyedikachi Okereke, 38, from Nigeria; and Rukevwe Solomon Ologban, 44, residing in Grand Prairie, Texas, were involved from March 2018 to June 2019.
They collaborated with a group in the District of Utah known as the Utah Money Transmitters, facilitating the laundering of money acquired through the romance scam scheme. The primary perpetrators of these scams, the “Yahoo boys,” operated out of Nigeria.
The defendants played pivotal roles in either sourcing opportunities for the Utah Money Transmitters to collaborate with Yahoo boys or assisting in the transmission of fraudulent proceeds within the United States or internationally.
The ultimate objective of these money laundering endeavors was to channel the ill-gotten gains to the Yahoo boys abroad while compensating those involved in the money transfer process.
According to the indictment, the Yahoo boys typically assumed false identities online to establish relationships with potential victims.
They exploited the victims’ trust by fabricating stories, such as urgent needs for laptop purchases, equipment repairs, emergency medical expenses, or fictitious debts owed to the government.
Many victims, particularly elderly individuals, suffered substantial financial losses, including their life savings, inheritances, and retirement funds. In exchange for their financial assistance, victims were often promised repayment.
A critical component of the romance scam operation was the involvement of the Utah Money Transmitters.
By operating within the District of Utah, they established accounts at U.S. financial institutions to collect funds from victims and distribute them among co-conspirators.
This scheme aimed to obscure the funds’ ultimate destination and the identity and location of the Yahoo boys.
The defendants face various federal charges, including wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy.
Their initial court appearance, scheduled for a later date, will take place before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Seven Nigerian pickers arrested in U.S. for laundering $8 million
