HOUSTON - A 29-year-old Nigerian man who was residing in Houston has pleaded guilty to perpetuating a wire fraud scheme involving various Internet scams, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Idowa Olugbenga Temetan aka David Cole pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud.
From October 2013 until March 2014, Temetan used counterfeit passports to open bank accounts in the greater Houston area. The passports contained photographs of Temetan but utilized the alias of David Cole. He then worked with others to lure victims into sending money into these bank accounts. These funds were obtained through a variety of internet scams, including lottery scams and business investment scams. Checks or wire transfers were then sent from the victims’ bank accounts to accounts Temetan or others controlled. Temetan and his co-conspirators would then use the counterfeit passports to retrieve the fraudulently obtained funds.
Law enforcement has been able to trace at least $4 million to victims, some of whom who reside in Houston, that have been affected by this scheme. Temetan defrauded one victim of $3 million alone. After authorities identified this victim, they were able to trace the accounts into which the monies were being deposited.
Authorities arrested Temetan in Las Vegas, Nevada, while he was withdrawing cash from the account. Upon his arrest, law enforcement also obtained a fraudulent passport he was using under the name of David Cole.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the guilty plea and has set sentencing for Feb. 2, 2018. At that time, Temetan faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine. Temetan is in custody pending that hearing.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
