Three Nigerians living in the US have been sentenced to prison for defrauding the unemployment benefits program, stealing $520,910.
Charges and Sentencing
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Kamaldeen Karaole, Stephen Olamigoke, and Johnson Omodusonu stole 168 debit cards belonging to COVID-19 unemployment benefit recipients. U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon sentenced Karaole to 51 months in prison, Olamigoke to 30 months, and Omodusonu to 24 months. All three will face two years of supervised release following their prison terms.
Methods of Fraud
The fraudulent activity took place between August and October 2020. As per the Justice Department's statement, the defendants illegally obtained 168 cards and associated PINs using real individuals' personal information. They filed false unemployment benefit claims and used the stolen cards to withdraw funds.
Consequences and Repatriation
The court ordered that each defendant must pay restitution of $520,910. Upon completing their prison sentences, they will be repatriated to Nigeria. This case is one of many involving Nigerians engaged in fraud leading to their deportation from the US.
This case highlights the consequences of defrauding programs designed to assist citizens during the pandemic and underlines law enforcement's efforts.
