Nigerian Ehis Akhimie convicted in US for $6 million fraud, faces up to 20 years in prison
Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, a Nigerian national, was found guilty by a U.S. federal court of participating in a global inheritance fraud conspiracy that cheated over 400 elderly and vulnerable Americans out of more than $6 million.
After Akhimie entered a guilty plea on June 17, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the conviction on Thursday.
Akhimie might be imprisoned for up to 20 years.
Information about the scam
Akhimie, 41, was a member of a global fraud ring that distributed false letters to elderly victims all around the United States, according to court filings. The recipients of these letters were erroneously identified as the beneficiaries of sizable inheritances from deceased relatives who lived overseas.
The victims were told to transfer money for taxes, delivery fees, and other false charges. The money was sent via former American victims who had been tricked into sending money to Akhimie and his cronies. No inheritance was given to any of the victims.
Akhimie acknowledged that he had personally defrauded victims out of almost $6 million.
With help from authorities in the UK, Spain, and Portugal, the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) looked into the issue.
Brett A. Shumate, assistant attorney general, underlined the Justice Department’s dedication to combating global fraud schemes.
“Transnational criminals who have defrauded the United States will continue to be pursued, prosecuted, and brought to justice by the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch.”
“This case is testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime,” Shumate stated.
Sentencing
Akhimie faces up to 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing date is yet to be scheduled.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, this is the second major indictment in connection with the scheme. Seven other co-conspirators from Nigeria, Spain, and the United Kingdom have already been convicted and sentenced.
Sentences of Co-Conspirators:
- Ezennia Peter Neboh – 128 months (extradited from Spain)
- Kennedy Ikponmwosa – 97 months (extradited from Spain)
- Emmanuel Samuel – 82 months (extradited from the United Kingdom)
- Jerry Chucks Ozor – 87 months (extradited from the United Kingdom)
- Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham – 90 months (extradited from the United Kingdom)
- Amos Prince Okey Ezemma – 90 months (paroled into the U.S. from Nigeria)
- Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata – 97 months (extradited from Portugal)
The Justice Department urged victims or families affected by elder fraud to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311. The hotline provides support and connects individuals seeking help with local agencies.
REACTIONS
@TundeSpeaks: Ehis Akhimie don carry our name enter mud again. $6 million?? Why dem no channel that brain into legit hustle? Shameful. 😓 #419
@Adaobi_Nwa: Every time we’re trying to change the narrative, someone like Ehis Akhimie goes and ruins it. Now all Nigerians abroad will face more scrutiny. Tiring. 🇳🇬💔
@FolaThePlug: You see this Ehis Akhimie matter? 20 years no be bean. Hope all these young guys hustling on the street see say crime no dey pay. 😤
@RealChuka: Why are we always trending for fraud? Ehis Akhimie just confirmed the stereotype we’ve been trying to kill for years. #NaijaDoBetter
@MissZainab: Ehis Akhimie and the $6 million scam? People are risking their whole life for temporary gain. 20 years gone just like that. 😩
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
