Two Nigerians Face U.S. Charges Over Alleged $100 Million Tax Fraud Scheme
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Two Nigerian nationals have been charged in the United States over their alleged involvement in a large-scale tax fraud operation said to have targeted the country’s revenue system using stolen identities.
According to U.S. prosecutors, Akinade Adedeji Raheem and Abayomi Quadri Eletu are accused of orchestrating a multi-year scheme that exploited confidential data belonging to taxpayers and accounting professionals. The charges were filed in federal courts in Georgia and Texas.
Investigators claim the suspects, alongside other collaborators, fraudulently filed hundreds of tax returns by impersonating legitimate individuals. Authorities allege that the operation sought to obtain more than $100 million in refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
The scheme reportedly involved gaining access to sensitive personal information, including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, which were then used to manipulate official tax records. Prosecutors say the group redirected communications meant for victims to addresses under their control.
Further details suggest that fraudulent “change of address” requests were submitted to divert mail, allowing the suspects to intercept verification documents and maintain control over the process.
Authorities also allege that the accused arranged for refunds to be deposited onto prepaid debit cards. When verification was required, members of the network allegedly posed as the legitimate taxpayers to validate the claims.
Funds obtained through the alleged fraud were reportedly laundered through structured financial transactions designed to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Investigators say the money was later used to purchase goods, including vehicles and luxury items, some of which were shipped overseas.
Raheem and Eletu face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit fraud, money laundering, and identity theft. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences. However, U.S. authorities emphasised that the charges remain allegations, and both men are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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