25 Convicted in $215 Million Global Business Email Compromise Scheme

A federal jury convicted 25 defendants in a cross-border business email compromise scheme that hacked victim email accounts to steal about $215 million from more than 1,000 victims across 47 states and 19 countries. Notable convictions include Oluwafemi Awoyemi, Aruan Drake, and Peter Reed for wire fraud conspiracy, with Awoyemi and Drake also guilty of money laundering conspiracy. The case involved a network of Nigerian-linked fraud operations, laundered funds through shell accounts, and the illicit proceeds included cash, cryptocurrency, cashier’s checks, luxury items, and a Georgia residence. Investigations were led by the FBI, USPS, and Border Patrol; sentencing will occur after consideration of various factors for each defendant.