Nigerian man convicted in US for $198,000 fraud

A US-Nigerian citizen, Christopher Agbaje, has been found guilty of aiding in an elaborate fraud scheme against a North Dakota law firm in the United States.

The scheme involved deceptive digital transfers and false pretences aimed at defrauding the firm of nearly $200,000.

According to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota, Agbaje, along with accomplices, falsely posed as a business owner embroiled in a legal dispute with a Bismarck company.

The perpetrators established a phony attorney-client relationship with the firm, leading to a series of fraudulent activities.

Between November and December 2020, the law firm received a fraudulent Citibank check for $198,850.00, which was deposited into their account.

Following this, the firm was instructed to wire transfer $198,336.68 to Agbaje’s business partner. In an effort to obscure the funds’ traceability, Agbaje’s partner was directed to initiate a fake $180,000 international transfer.

When the scheme came under investigation, Agbaje allegedly advised his partner to “gain leverage,” “press on,” and feign ignorance of the fraud, as law enforcement scrutinized the transaction.

Meanwhile, Agbaje was originally extradited from the United Kingdom to North Dakota in February 2024, where he faced five different charges.

“While he was cleared of Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud in May, the suspect was also found guilty of Money Laundering, Aiding and Abetting Wire Fraud, and Aiding and Abetting Mail Fraud.

However, on September 11, Agbaje was sentenced to 142 months in prison and must pay the firm $188,935.74 in restitution.

According to US Attorney Mac Schneider, “This strong sentence shows that international fraudsters cannot hide from justice”

“When North Dakotans are the victims of fraud, our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will work internationally to hold defendants accountable in a federal courtroom in Bismarck or Fargo.”

The special Agent in Charge, Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis, said, “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that no fraud scheme is beyond the reach of justice, no matter its complexity or scope.

“Those who engage in fraudulent schemes will be met with swift and decisive action. The FBI will continue to work with partners across the globe to protect the financial security of the American people from those who seek to exploit it.”

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