A France-based Nigerian, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, is facing a potential 47-year prison sentence after being extradited to the United States over allegations of wire fraud, hacking, and identity theft, which reportedly caused losses totaling $819,000.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Justice, Amachukwu was extradited on Monday and subsequently appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
According to the statement, in 2019, Amachukwu, along with other conspirators, allegedly hacked into “US-based tax preparation businesses—including several businesses located in New York, Texas, and other states—by utilising spearphishing emails to obtain access to these businesses’ electronic systems.”
The statement noted that after gaining unauthorised access, the suspects allegedly stole the identities of several individuals, which were then used to file fraudulent tax returns with the US Internal Revenue Service.
It continued, “The conspirators sought fraudulent refunds of at least approximately $8.4 million, of which they successfully obtained at least approximately $2.5 million.
“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.”
The statement added that following investigations, Amachukwu was arrested in France.
Upon his extradition, he was arraigned before US District Judge Paul Gardephe on five counts relating to conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
The statement noted that the 39-year-old now faces a maximum sentence of 47 years if convicted.
“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 statement further noted that the suspect is facing charges in a separate indictment for allegedly participating in an investment scheme where he defrauded victims of millions of US 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.
