Nigerian Faces Up to 20 Years in US Prison Over Alleged Casino Fraud Scheme
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
A Nigerian national, Kenneth Godwin, has been charged in the United States over an alleged cyber fraud operation targeting a Native American-owned casino in South Dakota.
The charges were announced by the U.S. Department of Justice following a federal grand jury indictment accusing Godwin of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and illegally accessing a protected computer system to facilitate fraud.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the alleged scheme reportedly took place between May 2023 and March 2026 and involved the diversion of funds from Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel, a business operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
Authorities claimed the operation was carried out through a business email compromise tactic that allegedly caused major financial losses to the organisation.
The Department of Justice stated that Godwin, who is believed to be residing in Nigeria, could face up to 20 years imprisonment if convicted. He may also be fined up to $250,000, in addition to supervised release and restitution payments.
Speaking on the case, officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation said the agency would continue pursuing individuals involved in international fraud operations regardless of their location.
FBI representatives described the alleged cybercrime as part of a wider effort to target businesses and institutions across the United States through online deception and fraudulent electronic communications.
The case is currently being investigated by the FBI, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is handling the prosecution.
American authorities stressed that the indictment only contains allegations and that the suspect remains innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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