FBI, IRS Uncover $50 Million Fraud Scheme Involving Two Nigerians in the U.S.

FBI, IRS Indict Two Nigerians in $50 Million Fraud Scheme

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have uncovered a massive $50 million fraud scheme involving two Nigerians and four other individuals based in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the suspects allegedly stole millions in COVID-19 relief funds through fraudulent checks, money laundering, and identity theft.

If convicted, each defendant faces up to 62 years in prison.

Nigerians Among Indicted Individuals

The two Nigerians involved in the fraudulent operation are:

• Nosakhare Nobore, 29 – Edgewater, New Jersey
• Solomon Aluko, 29 – Hackensack, New Jersey

Other indicted suspects include:

• Shan Anand, 34 – Queens, New York
• Nicholas Pappas, 28 – Miami, Florida
• Leonard Ujkic, 44 – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Jorge Gonzalez, 28 – North Bergen, New Jersey

Each suspect has been charged with:

• Wire and bank fraud – 30 years in prison
• Money laundering – 20 years in prison
• Defrauding the U.S. government – 10 years in prison
• Aggravated identity theft – Mandatory 2-year sentence

How the $50 Million Fraud Scheme Worked

The indictment reveals that the suspects operated a sophisticated check fraud and money laundering network between 2021 and 2025.

Key Methods Used in the Fraud:

• Fake Identities & Sham Businesses – They created false businesses and identities to deposit fraudulent checks.
• Stolen COVID-19 Relief Funds – They targeted U.S. Treasury checks meant for pandemic relief, tax refunds, veterans, and the elderly.
• Money Laundering – The funds were moved through various accounts to avoid detection.

“The defendants brazenly attempted to exploit multiple U.S. government programs in their attempts to illegally enrich themselves,” said FBI Acting Assistant Director Leslie R. Backschies.

The Role of the ‘Fraud Bible’

Investigators also discovered that the criminals used a document known as the “Fraud Bible”, which contained detailed instructions for:

• Credit card fraud
• ATM hacking
• Mobile cash transfer fraud

“This group of suspects openly communicated about their fraud, taking pride in stealing nearly $50 million from the American public,” stated IRS Special Agent Harry T. Chavis, Jr.

What’s Next for the Suspects?

• If convicted, they could face up to 62 years in prison.
• They will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.
• Law enforcement vows to hold them accountable for their crimes.

“We will not tolerate the exploitation of relief programs meant for the public in times of crisis,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky.

With the FBI and IRS cracking down on financial crimes, this case serves as a warning to those attempting to defraud government programs.

What are your thoughts on this case? Let us know in the comments!