NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Nigerian nationwide was sentenced as we speak to 10 years in jail for his involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme that prompted roughly $11 million in identified losses to his victims.
“By way of subterfuge and impersonation, Obinwanne Okeke engaged in a multi-year international enterprise e mail and laptop hacking scheme that prompted a staggering $11 million in losses to his victims,” stated Raj Parekh, Performing U.S. Lawyer for the Japanese District of Virginia. “Immediately’s sentence additional demonstrates EDVA’s and FBI’s worldwide attain in vigorously pursuing justice on behalf of American victims and others and holding worldwide cybercriminals accountable, regardless of the place they commit their crimes.”
In response to courtroom paperwork, Obinwanne Okeke, 33, operated a gaggle of corporations generally known as the Invictus Group based mostly in Nigeria and elsewhere. From roughly 2015 to 2019, Okeke and others engaged in a conspiracy to conduct varied computer-based frauds. The conspirators obtained and compiled the credentials of a whole lot of victims, together with victims within the Japanese District of Virginia.
As a part of the scheme, Okeke and different conspirators engaged in an e mail compromise scheme focusing on Unatrac Holding Restricted, the export gross sales workplace for Caterpillar heavy industrial and farm gear. In April 2018, a Unatrac government fell prey to a phishing e mail that allowed conspirators to seize login credentials. The conspirators despatched fraudulent wire switch requests and connected faux invoices. Okeke participated within the effort to victimize Unatrac by means of fraudulent wire transfers totaling practically $11 million, which was transferred abroad. Moreover, Okeke engaged in different types of cyberfraud, together with sending phishing emails to seize e mail credentials, creating fraudulent net pages, and inflicting different losses to quite a few victims.
“The FBI won’t enable cyber criminals free reign within the digital world to prey on U.S. corporations,” stated Brian Dugan, Particular Agent in Cost of the FBI’s Norfolk Area Workplace. “This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s dedication to working with our companions on the Division of Justice and our international counterparts to find cyber criminals throughout the globe and produce them to america to be held accountable.”
Raj Parekh, Performing U.S. Lawyer for the Japanese District of Virginia, and Brian Dugan, Particular Agent in Cost of the FBI’s Norfolk Area Workplace, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Decide Rebecca Seaside Smith.
Assistant U.S. Lawyer Brian Samuels prosecuted the case.
A replica of this press launch is situated on the web site of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Japanese District of Virginia. Associated courtroom paperwork and knowledge are situated on the web site of the District Court for the Japanese District of Virginia or on PACER by looking for Case No. 4:19-cr-84.
