Nigerian National Convicted in U.S. for Cyber Fraud and Money Laundering

A U.S. federal jury has convicted 34-year-old Nigerian national Saheed Sunday Owolabi on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The verdict was reached after evidence showed his involvement in multiple cybercrime operations targeting victims across the United States.

Court documents revealed that Owolabi frequently posed as a woman online to establish romantic relationships with men. Through these fake profiles, he persuaded victims to transfer money and provide sensitive personal information, which he later used to facilitate other fraudulent activities.

Investigators said Owolabi and his accomplices used bank accounts belonging to their victims to launder funds obtained from different scams. This approach allowed them to conceal the origin of the stolen money and continue operating their schemes with minimal detection.

One notable case involved the theft and laundering of more than $120,000 from a single victim in North Carolina. Court records indicate that hundreds of other individuals were similarly defrauded across multiple states, highlighting the wide scope of his operations.

Authorities emphasized the devastating impact of such cyber fraud, noting that these schemes drain millions of dollars from hardworking individuals. Law enforcement agencies in the U.S. have increased coordination to track, investigate, and prosecute international cybercriminals.

Owolabi faces up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, and three years of supervised release when he is sentenced in January 2026. His case serves as a warning to others engaged in online scams that law enforcement is actively pursuing offenders.

U.S. prosecutors also noted the importance of public vigilance, urging internet users to exercise caution when interacting with unknown parties online. Authorities stressed that awareness and verification are key defenses against online fraud.

The conviction marks another step in international efforts to combat cybercrime and money laundering. It underscores the continued risks posed by romance scams and other internet-based fraud, as well as the commitment of U.S. authorities to protect victims worldwide.