A Nigerian citizen has been found guilty of aiding in a complex fraud scheme that targeted a North Dakota law firm.
Christopher Agbaje, along with others, was involved in a plot to defraud a Bismarck company through false digital transfers. Between November and December 2020, they posed as a business owner in a legal dispute and established a fake attorney-client relationship with the firm.
Using fraudulent documents and false promises, the group convinced the law firm to deposit a fraudulent check for $198,850.00. The firm then sent a wire transfer of $198,336.68 to Agbaje’s business partner at his request.
Agbaje and his partner attempted to conceal the money’s origin by initiating a fake international transfer. When law enforcement began investigating the fraudulent activity, Agbaje instructed his partner to “gain leverage” and “press on.”
Agbaje was extradited from the United Kingdom to North Dakota in February 2024 to face five charges. While he was acquitted of some charges, he was found guilty of Money Laundering, Aiding and Abetting Wire Fraud, and Aiding and Abetting Mail Fraud.
On September 11, Agbaje was sentenced to 142 months in prison and ordered to pay $188,935.74 in restitution.
United States Attorney Mac Schneider stated, “This strong sentence demonstrates that international fraudsters cannot evade justice. When North Dakotans are victims of fraud, our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will work tirelessly to hold perpetrators accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis emphasized, “Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that fraudulent schemes will not be tolerated. The FBI will continue to collaborate with global partners to protect the financial security of Americans.”
This continues to put a dent on the popularity of Nigerians living or schooling abroad who may be seeking legal ways to earn a better living.
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