An Indiana man was found guilty by a federal jury in a multi-million dollar fraud scheme that stretched across international borders, as announced by U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. After a brief 45-minute deliberation, the jury convicted Tochukwu Nwosisi, 52, of Indianapolis, for his role in an elaborate advance fee scheme that promised fictitious investment funding and inheritances.
The fraudulent operation, which ran from February 2015 to October 2018, was anchored in Nigeria. Nwosisi, along with co-conspirators, managed to dupe victims from around the globe into wiring large payments to U.S. bank accounts. These victims believed that the money they paid would release larger funds or inheritances that simply did not exist. According to the U.S Attorney's Office, Nwosisi acted as a money launderer, funneling nearly $1 million to architects of the scheme in Nigeria.
The six-day trial revealed that victims worldwide were swindled out of more than $5.6 million. "Those who enable fraudsters by helping them move and hide money taken from victims are just as responsible for their crimes as the people who run the scam themselves," Hamdani said. He underscored Nwosisi's critical role in the operation and the justification for him to face the equivalent consequences for his crimes, as reported by U.S Attorney's Office.
Nwosisi was convicted on charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering and concealment money laundering. He awaits sentencing, where he faces an maximum of 20 years in prison. To date, six individuals have been convicted for their involvement in this international fraud. Despite the conviction, Nwosisi was allowed to remain on bond until the sentencing date is set.
The investigation was carried out by the FBI and the Department of State - Office of Inspector General, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Latham and Trial Attorney Philip Trout of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section of the Department of Justice lead the prosecution efforts.
