An Irish court has sentenced two Nigerians, Francis Ogbuefi, 42, and Steven Silvester, 32, to a combined prison term of more than 16 years for their involvement in a multimillion-euro fraud and money laundering operation.
The duo were convicted following a detailed probe by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, according to a report by Raidió Teilifís Éireann on Friday.
Ogbuefi, who resided on Clonard Road in Crumlin, Dublin, was sentenced to nine years in prison, while Silvester, formerly of The Paddocks, Morristown, Newbridge, County Kildare, received a seven-and-a-half-year term.
Authorities disclosed that both men allegedly relocated from Nigeria to Ireland, where they became key players in a well-coordinated international fraud ring.
Investigations revealed that they were responsible for organising and supervising bank accounts used to channel proceeds of crime from different parts of the world, with several requests traced to Nigerian-linked contacts.
Prosecutors told the court that Ogbuefi played a leading role in the syndicate, serving as a major point of contact for collaborators operating outside Ireland.
Forensic analysis of his phone reportedly uncovered detailed records outlining transaction processes, account requirements and operational instructions linked to the illicit scheme.
He was also said to have directed that accounts be opened under Irish identities to reduce suspicion.
Among the items recovered from his device was a short instructional video explaining how the fraudulent activities were carried out, as well as images showing him coordinating transactions and directing other members of the network.
Ogbuefi was further found to have taken a 20 per cent share of the proceeds and claimed considerable experience in such operations.
Additional findings indicated that he entered Ireland as a student, while Silvester had previously lived under the country’s direct provision system before later becoming transient.
In his ruling, Justice Martin Nolan described the operation as elaborate and highly organised, stressing that access to bank accounts remains a critical component of money laundering activities.
He noted that the convicts demonstrated a strong grasp of banking systems and exploited loopholes within them.
Despite the challenges associated with uncovering such crimes, the judge commended investigators for their persistence and the strength of the evidence presented in court.
He, however, observed that both men had no prior criminal by their families, adding that they showed prospects for rehabilitation.
