A United States federal jury has convicted 10 Nigerians among 25 defendants involved in a large-scale international email hacking and fraud scheme that defrauded more than 1,000 victims of about $215 million.
Authorities described the operation as a “business email compromise” scheme that stretched across 47 U.S. states and extended to 19 countries, targeting individuals, businesses, and organisations.
Among those identified as Nigerians or of Nigerian origin are Oluwafemi Michael Awoyemi, Emmanuel Okereke, Olalekan Bashiru, Jeremiah Agina, Ademola Balogun, Ayobami Osas Christopher, Ayorinde Emmanuel Adebayo, Olabode Bankole, Chukwuemeka Evulukwu, and Kingsley Owusu.
The case concluded after a four-day trial on April 24, 2026, in Toledo, Ohio, where a federal jury found Awoyemi, 40, alongside Aruan Drake, 37, and Peter Reed, 35, guilty of wire fraud conspiracy.
Awoyemi and Drake were also convicted of money laundering conspiracy in a ruling delivered by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp II.
Court documents showed that the group allegedly gained unauthorised access to victims’ email accounts, monitored communications, and studied business relationships in order to carry out the fraud.
After gathering sufficient information, they reportedly sent fake but convincing emails to victims or their business contacts, requesting payments that appeared legitimate due to their knowledge of ongoing transactions.
Prosecutors said funds obtained through the scheme were then moved through a network of bank accounts and financial channels to conceal their origin.
The court will determine the final sentences for each defendant at a later date, taking into account their roles in the operation, prior records, and other legal considerations.
