A U.S. federal court has handed down a five-year prison sentence to Uche Victor Diuno, a 57-year-old Nigerian national, following his conviction for participating in a sprawling international fraud scheme that defrauded individuals across 20 countries of nearly $5.7 million .
U.S. prosecutors revealed that from October 2014 to September 2018, Diuno and his associates posed as executives of top-tier American banks. Using fabricated offers of inheritances and “investment agreements,” they deceived victims into wiring large sums. The illicit funds were then laundered through multiple U.S. bank accounts before being transferred to their counterparts in Nigeria .
Diuno pleaded guilty on February 1, 2024, admitting to roles in both the fraud and subsequent money laundering. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett sentenced him to 60 months in prison and ordered $5,693,648 in restitution to his victims .
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) spearheaded the investigation, characterizing the operation as a sophisticated ring of scammers exploiting web domains and fake visa appointments to enhance their credibility .
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christian Latham highlighted the extensive reach of the scheme: “Diuno conspired with criminal associates who established false web domains and capitalized on sham visits to U.S. embassies … defrauding millions of dollars from victims in over 20 countries” .
Following his prison term, Diuno is expected to face deportation to Nigeria. His sentencing serves as a stern reminder of U.S. authorities’ commitment to pursuing cross-border fraud perpetrators and safeguarding victims worldwide.
