Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
After a four-day trial, a federal jury in Memphis, Tennessee, found Stanley Anyanwu, 41, and Vitalis Anyanwu, 42, from Texas, guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering. Interim United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. shared the verdict.
The case stems from a business email compromise (BEC) scam in February 2022 that targeted the City of Memphis. A legitimate payment of $773,695.45 intended for a contractor was redirected to a bank account controlled by fraudsters. Although the City quickly realized the error, they were unable to recover the funds, which were transferred into a money laundering network. The FBI investigation singled out Stanley and Vitalis Anyanwu as members of this fraud conspiracy. Additionally, the FBI found that the same group had perpetrated romance scams against other victims.
The court revealed that Stanley and Vitalis Anyanwu acted as "money mules," knowingly moving money acquired through internet-based fraud. "These defendants defrauded multiple individuals and entities resulting in a significant loss to the City of Memphis," commented Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. He emphasized the FBI's dedication to holding accountable those who engage in schemes like business email compromise and money laundering that cause financial harm.
The sentencing will occur on July 18, 2025, before Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman. The FBI investigated the case, while Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Smith and Reid Manning prosecuted it for the government.
