A Nigerian national residing in France, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, has been extradited to the United States to face multiple charges linked to wire fraud, hacking, and identity theft, which allegedly resulted in at least $819,000 in losses to victims.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday, Amachukwu was extradited on Monday and subsequently arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
Authorities allege that in 2019, Amachukwu and unnamed co-conspirators launched cyberattacks against U.S.-based tax preparation businesses in New York, Texas, and other states using spearphishing emails to infiltrate systems and steal sensitive personal information.
“The conspirators sought fraudulent refunds of at least approximately $8.4 million, of which they successfully obtained at least approximately $2.5 million,” the statement read.
It further stated: “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.”
Following investigations, Amachukwu was arrested in France and later extradited to the U.S., where he is now facing five separate charges before U.S. District Judge Paul Gardephe.
The charges include:
One count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions (maximum 5 years),
Two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud (each with a 20-year maximum),
Two counts of wire fraud (each carrying up to 20 years),
And aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive two-year sentence.
“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,” the DOJ statement explained.
In addition, Amachukwu is facing a separate indictment related to an alleged investment scam involving standby letters of credit that reportedly defrauded victims of millions of dollars.
“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.
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