Kani Bassie and Jermon Brooks have entered guilty pleas for their involvement in a large-scale bank fraud conspiracy. The scheme, led by Oluwaseun Adekoya, involved defrauding financial institutions nationwide using stolen personal identifying information. The defendants supervised others who impersonated victims to conduct fraudulent transactions.
Bassie admitted to working with Adekoya to launder the proceeds of these crimes, disguising their origin and reinvesting them into the conspiracy. Adekoya faces trial on June 9, 2025, charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft. He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III commented: "And then there was one. We look forward to trial. We appreciate the efforts of the FBI, and many other law enforcement partners across the country, in uncovering this scheme."
FBI Special Agent Craig L. Tremaroli stated: "The FBI takes very seriously our responsibility to investigate and pursue those who commit fraud for personal gain."
This investigation began after arrests in May 2022 and has revealed over $2 million in fraudulent transactions. Thirteen defendants have pled guilty so far.
At sentencing, Bassie and Brooks face up to 30 years for bank fraud conspiracy charges. Bassie could receive an additional 20 years for money laundering conspiracy. Both also face mandatory two-year sentences for aggravated identity theft.
The case is being investigated by multiple FBI field offices and various law enforcement agencies across several states.
Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark, Mathew M. Paulbeck, and Joshua R. Rosenthal are leading the prosecution.
