Mark A. Totten United States Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Mark A. Totten, announced the sentencing of three individuals involved in an international mail and wire fraud scheme originating from Nigeria. The defendants had pleaded guilty in July 2024.
"Financial fraud is not a 'faceless' crime – and today’s sentencings help secure a measure of justice for the victims of this international fraud scheme," stated U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. He emphasized that some victims lost their retirement savings or took loans against their homes due to the defendants' actions.
Fatai Okunola, 38, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, received a sentence of 121 months for his role in the conspiracy and was ordered to pay $731,879.16 in restitution. Additionally, he was sentenced to concurrent terms for making false statements during naturalization and money laundering with proceeds from the fraud. Okunola will report to immigration authorities for deportation after serving his sentence.
Oluwaseyi Adeola, 34, from Dallas, Texas, was sentenced to 34 months and ordered to pay $409,968.93 in restitution. Ijeoma Adeola, 36, also from Dallas, received three years' probation for misprision of a felony and must pay $48,570 in restitution.
Cory McDougal from Romeoville, Illinois has yet to be sentenced.
Court records reveal that the defendants conspired with individuals primarily based in Nigeria to defraud elderly or vulnerable individuals in the United States through various schemes using wire transmissions or mail systems. The conspirators created false online personas to develop relationships with victims via social media or phone calls using voice-over-internet-protocol numbers appearing local.
Victims were directed to send money through various means including bank transfers and peer-to-peer services like Zelle or PayPal. The funds were then transferred among conspirators or used by Okunola for purchasing automobiles exported to Nigeria.
"Our agents will continue the important work of dismantling interstate and international fraud schemes," said HSI Detroit Special Agent Angie M. Salazar.
Rodney M. Hopkins of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service highlighted efforts made by law enforcement partners: "This case's outcome showcases...outstanding efforts...in dismantling this international fraud scheme."
The public is encouraged to report suspected internet crimes at IC3.gov and follow tips provided by federal law enforcement on avoiding scams such as being cautious with unsolicited communications and resisting pressure tactics used by scammers.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Postal Inspection Service offices in Grand Rapids with assistance from Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety; Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Stella prosecuted the case.
