AGS NEWS – A Nigerian man named Victor Uzor, aged 36, has received a 48-month prison sentence, along with three years of supervised release and over $1 million in restitution.

This comes after his involvement in a business email compromise scheme amounting to $1.1 million.

Uzor’s sentencing occurred on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Philadelphia, as declared by United States District Court Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge.

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The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, who stated that on January 2, 2024, Uzor pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

The scheme typically operated with a member of the conspiracy posing as a legitimate vendor and sending false invoices via email to victim organizations.

Uzor’s role involved opening bank accounts using real people’s identities, uninvolved in the crime. Funds were directed to these accounts by another conspirator, after which Uzor swiftly withdrew them and transferred them to other accounts.

In total, Uzor assisted in stealing around $1.1 million from various victims, with an unsuccessful attempt to steal an additional $400,000. Among those affected was a nonprofit mental health care provider in Doylestown, PA.

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U.S. Attorney Romero emphasized the impact of Uzor’s actions, noting that he not only victimized those whose identities he misused but also exploited businesses and organizations, including the mentioned nonprofit, which serves vulnerable communities.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs affirmed the commitment to combatting such fraud schemes, stressing the agency’s dedication to protecting citizens’ assets.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. Livermore.