Grand Rapids Reporter

Four individuals have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with an international mail and wire fraud scheme originating in Nigeria that targeted elderly individuals across the United States, according to U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark A. Totten.

Fatai Okunola, 37, of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Oluwaseyi Adeola, 34, of Dallas, Texas; and Cory McDougal, 33, of Romeoville, Illinois, admitted to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Ijeoma Adeola, 36, also of Dallas, Texas, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony for her role in concealing the operations of the conspiracy. Additionally, Fatai Okunola pleaded guilty to making false statements on his naturalization application and money laundering related to assisting others in purchasing vehicles with fraudulent funds and exporting them to Nigeria.

“Securing these guilty pleas is a step forward to ensuring justice for the victims of this international fraud scheme,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “The defendants used modern technology...to prey on elderly and vulnerable victims. Some...lost their retirement savings...or suffered other financial distress because of the defendants’ alleged lies.”

Court records indicate that the defendants conspired with individuals primarily in Nigeria to defraud victims through various schemes using interstate wire transmissions or the mail system. The conspirators created false online personas via social media and other platforms to develop relationships centered around romantic interests or business transactions. They then requested money from their victims under false pretenses.

Victims were directed to send money through various channels including bank transfers and peer-to-peer services like Zelle or PayPal. Defendants opened numerous bank accounts under aliases or shell businesses to receive these funds before transferring them among themselves and overseas.

Between 2017 and 2022, over $2 million was reportedly funneled through accounts controlled by the defendants.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 14, 2025. Okunola faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy charges along with additional sentences for money laundering (up to 10 years) and making false statements (up to five years). He may also face deportation. Oluwaseyi Adeola and Cory McDougal each face up to 20 years in prison while Ijeoma Adeola faces up to three years.

“HSI continues to ensure that fraudsters are held accountable,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey.

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is charged with safeguarding...the nation’s mail system,” added USPIS Inspector Rodney Hopkins.

Individuals who believe they may be victims are encouraged to contact Breane Warner at (616) 808-2064 or visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/victim-and-witness-assistance-program/vw-large-cases/okunola for more information.

Anyone suspecting ongoing internet crime should file a report with IC3.gov.

The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and United States Postal Inspection Service Grand Rapids offices with assistance from Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Stella is prosecuting.

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