Nigerian Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for $1.1M Wire Fraud in The US
A Nigerian national, Victor Uzor, has been sentenced to 48 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay over $1 million in restitution for his involvement in a $1.1 million business email compromise scheme.
Uzor, 36, received his sentence on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, from United States District Court Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge in Philadelphia.
United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced the sentencing, noting that Uzor had pleaded guilty on January 2, 2024, to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The scheme involved a conspirator posing as a legitimate vendor and sending fraudulent invoices to targeted organizations.
Uzor’s role was to open multiple bank accounts using the stolen identities of innocent individuals. Another conspirator then directed the victims to transfer money to these accounts. Uzor quickly withdrew the funds and transferred them to other accounts to evade detection.
In total, Uzor facilitated the theft of approximately $1.1 million from various businesses and individuals, with an additional $400,000 in attempted theft. Among the victims was a nonprofit mental health care provider in Doylestown, PA.
“First, Victor Uzor victimized the people whose identities he stole to facilitate this scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Romero.
Then he helped prey upon the primary targets of the business email compromise, including a nonprofit organization in Bucks County dedicated to providing behavioral health care for the underprivileged and underserved.
In stealing from this provider, he shortchanged its employees, patients, and the community. My office is committed to holding accountable anyone involved in such a clear-cut case of fraud.
Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia, Wayne A. Jacobs, emphasized the ongoing efforts to combat fraud. “The FBI works each and every day to dismantle fraud schemes that affect our citizens,” Jacobs stated.
“Alongside our partners, we will continue to bring to justice criminals who orchestrate these scams, and protect the hard-earned assets of our citizens.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Livermore.
Nigerian Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for $1.1M Wire Fraud in The US
