Washington D.C., USA – June 27, 2025 — A 33-year-old Nigerian national, Edikan Adiakpan, has been arrested in the United States for his alleged involvement in a large-scale business email compromise (BEC) and money laundering conspiracy targeting several organisations across the country.
According to U.S. law enforcement authorities, Adiakpan was part of an elaborate cyber fraud network that allegedly defrauded organisations in at least eight states, including a prominent California-based medical research institution dedicated to developing treatments for U.S. military veterans.
Federal investigators said the scheme involved manipulating legitimate business communication channels through compromised or spoofed emails, redirecting payments meant for vendors or employees into controlled accounts. The proceeds were then allegedly laundered through a network of co-conspirators and shell entities.
The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed that the arrest followed a coordinated investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other cybercrime units, as part of ongoing efforts to combat transnational cyber threats.
Adiakpan faces multiple charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and identity theft. If convicted, he could face significant prison time under U.S. federal sentencing guidelines.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on cyber-enabled financial crimes, particularly BEC schemes, which have caused billions of dollars in losses globally.
The Nigerian government is yet to comment on the arrest, but legal experts expect potential diplomatic and extradition-related conversations, depending on how the investigation unfolds.
