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Fraud

Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to Operating Transnational Inheritance Fraud Scheme

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A Nigerian national has pleaded guilty to operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded elderly and vulnerable consumers across the United States. The scheme involved sending personalized letters to victims, falsely claiming that they were entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance. The defendant and his co-conspirators collected over $6 million from more than 400 victims, many of whom were elderly or otherwise vulnerable. The Justice Department's Consumer Protection Branch will continue to pursue and prosecute transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The defendant, Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, admitting to defrauding over $6 million from more than 400 victims.
  • The scheme involved sending personalized letters to victims, falsely claiming that they were entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance.
  • The defendant and his co-conspirators collected money from victims through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom they convinced to receive money and forward to the defendants or persons associated with them.
  • Seven other co-conspirators from the United Kingdom, Spain, and Nigeria have previously been convicted and sentenced in connection with this scheme, including two defendants who were extradited from Spain and received prison sentences of 128 months and 97 months, respectively.
  • The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Consumer Protection Branch are investigating the case, with assistance from the UK, Spain, and Portugal.
  • The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service, and authorities from the UK, Spain, and Portugal all provided critical assistance.
  • The National Elder Fraud Hotline is available to help victims of financial fraud, staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support and assistance.

Statistics:

  • Over 400 victims were affected by the scheme, with many being elderly or otherwise vulnerable.
  • The defendant and his co-conspirators collected over $6 million from victims.
  • Seven co-conspirators have been convicted and sentenced in connection with the scheme, with prison sentences ranging from 82 months to 128 months.
  • The U.S. Postal Inspection Service has committed to protecting American consumers from being defrauded by transnational criminal organizations.

Sources:

  • https://www.justice.gov/criminal/docb/press-release/2024/nigerian-national-pleads-guilty-operating-transnational-inheritance-fraud-scheme
  • United States Attorneys General,

"A Nigerian national pleaded guilty recently to operating a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that defrauded elderly and vulnerable consumers across the United States."

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