Samson Omoniyi, a US-based Nigerian, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of money laundering and fraud following his recent arrest alongside eight others. The group, accused of running a multi-million-dollar money laundering organization, was indicted on October 8, 2024, according to a press release from the US Department of Justice.
The indictment charges Omoniyi, 43, and his co-defendants with conspiracy to engage in money laundering. They are accused of laundering funds obtained from internet fraud schemes, particularly business email compromise (BEC) schemes, which target individuals and businesses both in the US and abroad.
The operation, running since November 2016, operated in Tennessee, Texas, and other states. The conspirators allegedly recruited individuals to act as money mules, laundering fraud proceeds through sham companies and other means to conceal the illicit funds. The investigation revealed that the organization agreed to launder over $20 million in proceeds from various fraud schemes.
In addition to internet fraud, the group reportedly used romance scams, building trust with victims by forming romantic relationships and later demanding money after the victims had been deceived. The defendants also allegedly tricked victims into sending money by claiming they needed funds to claim large inheritance amounts.
Omoniyi, who was arrested in Houston, faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. His co-defendants, whose ages range from 30 to 66, are also charged with conspiracy to launder fraud proceeds.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of internet fraud and money laundering, with the US Justice Department stressing that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, each of the nine individuals could face significant prison sentences, with a judge determining the exact penalties based on the US Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
