Nigerian Fraudster, ebuka raphael umeti arrested by FBI.
A federal jury has convicted Ebuka Raphael Umeti, a 35-year-old Nigerian national, for orchestrating a sophisticated business email compromise (BEC) scheme that targeted numerous victims in the United States and other countries. The scheme, which involved phishing attacks and malware, resulted in significant financial losses.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Umeti and his co-conspirators executed a series of phishing attacks designed to deceive victim businesses. These emails, crafted to appear as though they originated from trusted sources such as banks or vendors, tricked recipients into granting unauthorized access to their computer systems and email accounts.
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The co-conspirators used malicious software, or “malware,” to gain remote access, allowing them to obtain sensitive information and manipulate victims into executing wire transfers to accounts under their control.
The scheme caused or attempted to cause over $1.5 million in losses to the targeted businesses. Umeti’s actions were part of a broader criminal conspiracy that relied on hidden malware and deception to defraud companies while attempting to evade prosecution by operating from outside the United States.
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Ebuka Raphael Umeti was convicted of multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to cause intentional damage to a protected computer, and intentional damage to a protected computer. He faces a maximum penalty of 27 years in prison for the wire fraud conspiracy count, five years for conspiracy to damage a protected computer, 20 years for each wire fraud count, and 10 years for intentional damage to a protected computer. Umeti’s sentencing is scheduled for August 27.
Co-Defendant and International Cooperation.
Co-defendant Franklin Ifeanyichukwu Okwonna, 34, pleaded guilty to his role in the scheme on May 20 and is scheduled to be sentenced on September 3. The FBI‘s Washington Field Office led the investigation, with significant contributions from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI’s Legal Attaché Office in Nairobi, the U.S. Marshals Service, and Kenyan authorities. Their combined efforts facilitated the extradition of Umeti and his co-conspirator.
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Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to prosecuting cybercriminals, regardless of their location. “Today’s conviction should serve as yet another reminder that, if you target American victims, the Criminal Division is committed to tracking you down and holding you responsible for your criminal conduct, no matter where you are,” Argentieri stated.
Ebuka Raphael Umeti uses hidden malware
U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber for the Eastern District of Virginia highlighted the extensive reach of cybercriminals and the law’s corresponding reach. “Umeti relied on hidden malware, deception, and an ocean of distance to steal from American businesses and avoid prosecution. Despite those obstacles and obfuscations, a dedicated team of investigators and prosecutors showed outstanding resolve in bringing him to justice,” Aber said.
Assistant Director in Charge David Sundberg of the FBI Washington Field Office reiterated the agency’s dedication to combating cybercrime. “Today’s guilty verdict is a victory in our fight against cybercrime and should serve as a warning to cybercriminals who believe they can operate with impunity,” Sundberg noted.
The conviction of Ebuka Raphael Umeti marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against cybercrime. It underscores the persistent efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to track down and prosecute those who engage in sophisticated cyber schemes, regardless of where they operate. As Umeti awaits sentencing, this case serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences awaiting cybercriminals who target U.S. businesses and individuals.
