CRIME

FBI Arrest 3 Nigerians Over $1.4m Covid Benefit Fraud

Three Nigerians have been arrested in the U.S for engaging in more than $1.4 million (about N580 million) jobless benefits of the states of Arizona, California, North Carolina, and Maryland.

The suspects: Quazeem Owolabi Adeyinka, 20; Ayodeji Jonathan Sangode, 22; and Olamide Yusuf Bakare, who allegedly filed unemployment remunerations more than 200 times from the four states, were arrested after being caught by the security cameras of Automated Teller Machines (ATM).

Nigeria Abroad reports that the three were caught in connection with pandemic unemployment benefits fraud as they used two addresses in Hyattsville, Maryland. Adeyinka and Sangode are currently the residents of one of the addresses.

Bank of America (BofA) records show that 175 prepaid cards worth more than $1.4 million total—$158,000 of which came from Maryland—were sent to the suspects’ addresses.

The funds were depleted through purchases, transfers, and ATM cash withdrawals conducted in California, Florida, and Maryland, according to prosecutors. ATM withdrawals alone amounted to over $989,000.

According to BofA’s footage, Sangode’s Hyundai was surveilled at a BofA drive-through ATM in Maryland. The driver of the vehicle resembles Sangode based on a comparison using his MD driver’s license photo, the indictment says.

BofA records also revealed that, on or about July 19, 2020, an individual appearing to be Adeyinka based on a comparison with his driver’s license photo, withdrew $1,000 cash using BofA-EDD debit card ending in 2312 in the name of K.K. at the Landover Hills Bank of America ATM located at 7515 Annapolis Road, Hyattsville, Maryland.

More BofA records show that, on or around July 5, 2020, an individual appearing to be Bakare based on his driver’s license photo withdrew cash using the 7990 BofA-EDD debit card at a BofA ATM located at 10200 Lake Arbor Way, Mitchellville, Maryland.

There were sequences of other such withdrawals at different dates involving different volumes, in which all three individuals were identified.

Recent Posts

Actress Beverly Osu shares stunning Photos of herself in bikini

Beverly Osu, a renowned Nigerian actress, has recently showcased her stunning physique in a bikini. The actress is currently on… Read More

8 hours ago

“I Have No Issues With European People”- Seun Kuti

Seun Kuti has explained that he is not against European people, but rather against European colonialism. On January 13, 2025,… Read More

8 hours ago

Nigerian man calls out filling station for selling ₦35k worth of air instead of fuel in his car

A Nigerian man has accused a filling station of selling him air worth ₦35,000 instead of fuel and plans to… Read More

8 hours ago

“My life got better after Mohbad’s Death” – Mohbad’s dad reveals

Joseph Aloba, the father of late singer Mohbad, discusses his son's struggles with his wife Wunmi and allegations of cheating… Read More

8 hours ago

Woli Arole warns ladies cohabiting with boyfriends following troubling video

Woli Arole has criticized young women cohabiting with their boyfriends following a disturbing video involving a man and his girlfriend.… Read More

8 hours ago

Phyno’s Bouncer Apologizes For Nearly Bouncing Billionaire Zenco At His Mum’s Funeral

Phyno's bouncer, who recently bounced billionaire Zenco from an event, has shared his thoughts. A video surfaced from the burial… Read More

9 hours ago

This website uses cookies.