Abiola Kayode, a 37-year-old Nigerian, has been extradited from Ghana to the United States after being on the FBI’s most wanted list. He faces charges related to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, stemming from a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme that defrauded businesses of over $6 million between January 2015 and September 2016.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
Kayode allegedly participated in a sophisticated scheme where his co-conspirators posed as executives of companies and tricked employees into wiring funds to accounts they controlled. These accounts were often linked to victims of internet romance scams. The fraudulent emails appeared legitimate, prompting business employees to carry out wire transfers, believing they were fulfilling valid business requests.
Kayode’s role involved providing bank account details to his co-conspirators, who sent the fake emails. These funds were then funneled through accounts that Kayode and others controlled, allowing the fraudsters to siphon off large sums of money.
Extradition and Legal Process
Kayode was apprehended by authorities in Ghana and handed over to the FBI. He was brought to Nebraska, U.S., where he made his initial court appearance on December 11, 2024. Magistrate Judge Michael D. Nelson ordered him to remain detained pending trial.
Kayode is the second person to be extradited to face charges in Nebraska. Several co-conspirators have already been sentenced for their roles in the scheme, including Adewale Aniyeloye and Pelumi Fawehinimi. However, other conspirators are still at large.
FBI’s Ongoing Pursuit of Cybercriminals
FBI Special Agent Eugene Kowel emphasized the agency’s continued efforts to dismantle cyber-criminal groups targeting U.S. citizens, working closely with international partners, including Ghanaian authorities. The FBI remains committed to bringing all remaining perpetrators to justice.
This case highlights the international collaboration in tackling cybercrime and the FBI’s focus on pursuing individuals involved in large-scale fraud schemes.
