FIVE NIGERIANS SENTENCED TO 160 YEARS FOR 17M FRAUD IN TEXAS

Five Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to a combined 160 years in U.S. federal prison for orchestrating a massive17 million fraud scheme. The sentencing took place in a Texas court, where the individuals were convicted of wire fraud, identity theft, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

According to court documents, the group operated a sophisticated ring that targeted individuals and businesses through business email compromise (BEC) schemes, romance scams, and other cyber-enabled fraud tactics. The defendants used fake identities and hacked emails to deceive victims across the United States and funnel stolen funds through a global network of accomplices.

U.S. authorities say the operation ran for several years before being dismantled by the FBI’s cybercrime unit in collaboration with Nigerian law enforcement.

The harsh sentencing sends a strong message about the growing global crackdown on internet fraud, particularly involving foreign nationals.