Two Nigerians and four other individuals are facing up to 62 years in prison after being charged with a $50 million fraud scheme in the United States.
The accused, Solomon Aluko and Nosakhare Nobore, both Nigerian nationals, along with Shan Anand, Nicholas Pappas, Leonard Ujkic, and Jorge Gonzalez, allegedly carried out a multi-year check fraud operation. According to federal authorities, the group used stolen and fake identities to open bank accounts and deposit illicit funds.
The scheme, which ran from 2021 to 2025, targeted government relief programmes, including those created during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and Qualified Sick Leave Wages (QSLW) credit. Prosecutors claim that the defendants exploited emergency aid programmes designed to assist struggling businesses.
Acting US Attorney Matthew Podolsky condemned the actions, stating: “This Office will not tolerate the exploitation of programmes designed to support the public in times of crisis.”
Court documents revealed that the suspects opened fraudulent bank accounts using fake or stolen identities, with one defendant, who worked as a bank teller, facilitating the process from the inside. The defendants allegedly deposited counterfeit and stolen Treasury checks, including those linked to income tax refunds and social security payments, before withdrawing the money in cash or transferring it to accounts they controlled.
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Federal investigators reported that the group attempted to steal a total of $80 million, successfully laundering around $50 million through various sham businesses and fraudulent bank accounts.
The FBI’s Acting Assistant Director, Leslie R. Backschies, described the fraud as a “brazen attempt to exploit multiple US government programmes” and vowed that those responsible would face justice.
Investigators noted that some members of the group openly flaunted their criminal activities by wearing branded clothing with the slogan “Bag Hunter” during illicit transactions. Additionally, one suspect shared a video titled “2021 Fraud Bible,” offering tips on credit card and ATM fraud.
IRS Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. stated that the suspects openly discussed their fraudulent activities and boasted about their success.
The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years; conspiracy to commit money laundering, 20 years; conspiracy to defraud the government, 10 years; and aggravated identity theft, two years. The final sentencing will be determined by the court.
Podolsky commended the exceptional work of the FBI and IRS-CI, expressing gratitude to the US Postal Inspection Service and the New York City Police Department for their assistance.
The case is being prosecuted by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit of the US Attorney’s Office, with support from the FBI, IRS-CI, US Postal Inspection Service, and the New York City Police Department.