NEW YORK, USA – Kingsley Uchelue Utulu, a 38-year-old Nigerian national, has been sentenced to five years and three months in U.S. federal prison for leading a sophisticated cybercrime operation that defrauded the IRS and private individuals of more than $2.5 million.
The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, alongside FBI Assistant Director Christopher Raia.
Authorities detailed how Utulu was a central figure in a hacking conspiracy that infiltrated tax preparation companies, stole sensitive personal data, and used it to file fraudulent tax returns, securing illegitimate refunds from the U.S. government. The network also traded stolen identities on the dark web, exploiting U.S. financial platforms and government systems.
Utulu was arrested in the United Kingdom and later extradited to the United States for prosecution.
In addition to his prison term, the court ordered Utulu to pay $3.68 million in restitution and forfeit $290,250 in illegal proceeds obtained through the fraud.
This conviction follows the recent sentencing of two other Nigerian nationals, Abel Daramola and Olutayo Ogunlaja, involved in a $560,000 international romance scam. Both face up to 20 years in prison.
Commenting on the case, FBI official Raia said:
“We will continue to pursue those who think distance or nationality can shield them from justice.”
The U.S. Department of Justice emphasized its commitment to tracking down international cybercriminals, regardless of where they operate.
