FBI Nabs Two Nigerians Over $50 Million COVID-19 Relief Scam In The U.S.

Two Nigerian nationals, Nosakhare Nobore and Solomon Aluko, have been arrested in the United States for allegedly masterminding an extensive fraud scheme that drained $50 million from COVID-19 relief programs. The pair, residing in New Jersey, reportedly created a digital guide known as the “Fraud Bible” to instruct others on scamming American citizens and government systems.  

The arrests came after a four-count indictment was unsealed on March 20, 2025, by Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky of the Southern District of New York. The indictment detailed how the scheme, running from 2021 to 2025, aimed to steal $80 million. Nobore and Aluko are accused of collaborating with four others — Jorge Gonzalez, Leonard Ujkic, Nicholas Pappas, and Shan Anand — to carry out the elaborate plot.  

Authorities say the group used stolen identities to open fake bank accounts, with the help of a bank insider who allegedly manipulated account settings to ensure smooth withdrawals. The operation largely targeted U.S. Treasury checks meant to support Americans during the pandemic, particularly funds from the Employee Retention Credit and Qualified Sick Leave Wages credit programs.  

The stolen checks were reportedly deposited into fraudulent accounts before the money was withdrawn or transferred to accounts controlled by the suspects. To spread their tactics further, the group launched a Telegram channel named “2021 Fraud Bible,” offering step-by-step instructions to others looking to commit similar crimes.  

“This Office will not tolerate the exploitation of crisis-relief programs,” Podolsky said, vowing to hold all those involved accountable.  

The charges against the suspects are severe: conspiracy to commit wire and bank fraud (carrying a sentence of up to 30 years), money laundering conspiracy (up to 20 years), conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government (up to 10 years), and aggravated identity theft — which carries a mandatory two-year prison term.  

The case highlights U.S. law enforcement’s ongoing crackdown on pandemic-related fraud and identity theft, particularly schemes that target vital public assistance programs.  

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Posted: at 22-03-2025 05:19 PM (1 month ago) | Addicted Hero

 

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Posted: at 22-03-2025 06:04 PM (1 month ago) | Addicted Hero

But e like say that Biden tiers or may I say democrat terms security was that porous? That means Nigerians and their conspirators would have drained the US treasury if Kamala had won the presidency. The other day na oba of one place in Yorubaland that was arrested for similar fraud. Anyways that their “fraud bible “  is useful in cybersecurity training to help security analysts understand adversarial mindset of cyber criminals in relation to evading security controls to defraud the system!

Posted: at 22-03-2025 11:31 PM (1 month ago) | Upcoming