A Nigerian national has admitted to his involvement in a transnational fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals across the United States. Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, 41, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud on June 17. He was part of a group that sent deceptive letters claiming recipients were entitled to multimillion-dollar inheritances from deceased overseas relatives. Victims were misled into sending money for supposed delivery fees and taxes, which Akhimie and his associates collected through intermediaries in the U.S.
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing such crimes, thanking various law enforcement agencies for their contributions. Acting Postal Inspector Bladismir Rojo emphasized the commitment of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to protect American consumers from these schemes. Similarly, Acting Special Agent Ray Rede reiterated the dedication of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to holding perpetrators accountable.
Akhimie's guilty plea follows convictions and sentences for seven other co-conspirators from the United Kingdom, Spain, and Nigeria. These individuals received prison terms ranging from 82 to 128 months.
The case is being investigated by USPIS, HSI, and the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch. Senior Trial Attorney Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorney Josh Rothman are prosecuting, with asset forfeiture handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Annika Miranda.
Victims aged 60 or older can seek assistance through the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11. The hotline provides support and resources for reporting fraud incidents.
Further information on elder justice efforts can be found on the Department of Justice's website.
