U.S.-Based Nigerian Ayobami Omoniyi Sentenced for Wire Fraud, Ordered to Pay Restitution

A Nigerian national living in the United States, Ayobami Omoniyi, 26, has been sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison for his role in a multimillion-dollar wire fraud operation.

Omoniyi, who entered the U.S. on a Green Card, operated an unlicensed money transmitting business that processed funds stolen through business email compromise scams. U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen also ordered him to pay $202,273.80 in restitution.

Court documents revealed that Omoniyi began recruiting others to participate in the scheme shortly after his arrival in the country. He facilitated the transfer of illicit funds across multiple accounts.

Investigators said victims included companies abroad, such as an Australian fishing firm, who were deceived by emails appearing to come from legitimate sources. These communications prompted the victims to send payments to accounts controlled by Omoniyi and his accomplices.

During his plea, Omoniyi admitted receiving and transmitting fraud proceeds for a fee, acknowledging his active role in laundering money derived from the scams.

Authorities emphasized that his operations formed part of a broader business email compromise network targeting both U.S. and international businesses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWK97-j5WyM

Upon completing his prison term, Omoniyi is scheduled for deportation to Nigeria. The court highlighted the financial harm caused to victims and the seriousness of the offenses.

Federal officials warned businesses to remain vigilant against unlicensed money transfer operations and fraudulent emails, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by business email compromise schemes.