Three Nigerians, Nnamdi Benson, Richard Uzuh, and Felix Okpoh, are now on the FBI’s Most-Wanted list for their alleged roles in a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded over 70 businesses in the United States of more than $6 million.
Information on the FBI website reveals that the trio is accused of operating as part of a syndicate involved in fraudulent wire transfers, with funds laundered through a global network of accomplices. The scheme targeted businesses across the U.S., using fake emails to impersonate executives and request payments.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
Nnamdi Orson Benson
Benson allegedly provided bank accounts used to funnel proceeds from fraudulent transactions. He is also implicated in romance and advance-fee fraud schemes. A federal court in Nebraska indicted him in August 2019 on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, with an arrest warrant issued on August 22, 2019.
Felix Osilama Okpoh
Okpoh is accused of supplying numerous bank accounts that received over $1 million from fraudulent wire transfers. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of the same indictment, with a warrant for his arrest issued in August 2019.
Richard Izuchukwu Uzuh
Uzuh is alleged to have spearheaded the scheme, sending spoofed emails to thousands of U.S. businesses to request fraudulent wire transfers. He reportedly worked with Benson, Okpoh, and other conspirators to launder the proceeds. Uzuh was indicted in October 2016, and a warrant for his arrest was issued shortly thereafter.
Extradition of a Co-Conspirator
Earlier this month, Abiola Ayorinde Kayode, a key member of the syndicate, was extradited from Ghana to Nebraska to face charges in connection with the scheme. Kayode had been arrested in Ghana in April 2023, and his extradition followed a formal request from the U.S. government.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska confirmed that Kayode is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is being prosecuted as part of the ongoing effort to dismantle the cybercrime syndicate.
FBI Investigation and Public Appeal
The FBI has called for public assistance in locating Benson, Uzuh, and Okpoh, urging anyone with relevant information to contact the agency. Efforts to track and apprehend additional members of the network remain ongoing.
