A Nigerian man has been indicted by a United States federal grand jury over allegations that he conspired to steal funds from a casino owned by a Native American tribe in South Dakota.
The US Department of Justice said in a statement that Kenneth Godwin is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and unauthorised access to a protected computer in furtherance of fraud.
Authorities allege that Godwin, who is believed to be residing in Nigeria, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, alongside a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He may also be ordered to pay restitution.
According to the indictment, Godwin and others were involved in a scheme between May 2023 and March 2026 to divert funds from the Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, which is operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
The FBI described the case as part of a business email compromise operation that caused significant financial losses to the tribal business.
FBI officials stressed that they pursue suspects globally, with one senior agent stating: “No agency on earth is better at this than the FBI. They will track down those who steal from and commit fraud against the people of the United States wherever those offenders may be,” he said.
Another FBI official said the scheme caused “substantial financial damage” and reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to dismantling such criminal networks.
The US DOJ also noted that the charges are allegations only, and Godwin is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI, while prosecution is handled by an Assistant US Attorney.
