A Nigerian man based in France, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, is now facing the possibility of a 47-year prison sentence in the United States following his extradition over allegations of cybercrime, wire fraud, and identity theft.
The United States Department of Justice, in a statement released on Tuesday, confirmed that Amachukwu was extradited on Monday and subsequently arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Court.
According to the statement, the alleged fraudulent activity dates back to 2019 when Amachukwu and his co-conspirators reportedly targeted U.S.-based tax preparation companies using sophisticated phishing techniques.
“In 2019, Amachukwu, along with other conspirators, allegedly hacked into ‘US-based tax preparation businesses—including several businesses located in New York, Texas, and other states—by utilising spearphishing emails to obtain access to these businesses’ electronic systems.’”
After breaching the systems, the suspects were said to have stolen personal data, which was then used to commit tax fraud against the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
“The conspirators sought fraudulent refunds of at least approximately $8.4 million, of which they successfully obtained at least approximately $2.5 million.
“In addition to filing fraudulent tax returns, the conspirators used the stolen identities to file fraudulent claims with the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan programme.
“The conspirators were able to obtain at least an additional approximately $819,000 in fraudulent payouts.”
The Department further stated that Amachukwu was apprehended in France following extensive investigations by law enforcement agencies.
“Amachukwu, 39, of Nigeria, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
“Two counts of wire fraud, each carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison.
“The mandatory minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.”
In addition to the cybercrime and tax fraud allegations, Amachukwu is also facing a separate indictment involving an investment scam, where he allegedly lured victims into fake financial instruments.
“Amachukwu is also charged with participating in a separate fraud scheme. In this scheme, the defendant offered victims investments in purportedly valuable standby letters of credit.
“However, these letters of credit did not exist, and Amachukwu pocketed millions of dollars of his victims’ money,” the statement concluded.
