Daniel P. Bubar Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina
A Cary man has been sentenced to 61 months in prison for his role in access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. The defendant, Ibrahim Abiodun Aderounmu, 27, admitted guilt to the charges on November 4, 2024. Additionally, Aderounmu is required to pay $536,782 in restitution to the victims.
Court documents and other evidence presented reveal that between approximately 2020 and 2022, Aderounmu engaged in multiple fraud schemes. These involved stealing and misusing personal identifying information (PII) from victims across the United States, resulting in attempted losses exceeding $650,000.
One scheme involved using victim PII to submit numerous applications for Chase Bank business credit card accounts. Successful applications led to credit cards being sent to Aderounmu's Cary residence, which he used for both online and in-store purchases.
The investigation uncovered Aderounmu's involvement in the Chase Bank scheme, prompting a search warrant of his apartment. Officers found over 400 access devices, including debit cards for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits. Fraudulent use of victim PII allowed applications and initiation of UI benefits from numerous state workforce agencies, like those in North Carolina, California, Nevada, and Arizona. Approved benefits were then transferred onto debit cards mailed to addresses controlled by Aderounmu. Surveillance footage captured him withdrawing these benefits from ATMs in Raleigh, Cary, and surrounding areas.
Additional access devices seized included several USAA debit cards listed under victims' names. The investigation revealed that PII from victims was used to create USAA accounts linked to Aderounmu's addresses. These fraudulent accounts were funded through fake check deposits, with proceeds then withdrawn from ATMs in multiple locations.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, announced the sentencing following a decision by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case.
Information and related court documents are available on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina's website or through PACER by searching Case No. 5:24-CR-222-FL.
