The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota announced on April 30 that, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, it seized $4,856,578.51 fraudulently obtained from Dickinson Public Schools through a business email compromise scheme.
The recovery highlights ongoing efforts to address cybercrime affecting public institutions and protect local communities from financial loss. The funds were traced to a Citibank account following an investigation in civil case number 1:26-cv-008. A federal Warrant of Arrest in Rem was obtained on March 27, authorizing the seizure of the money by the United States Marshals Service on April 22.
U.S. Attorney Nick Chase said, “The United States Attorney’s Office is pursuing this ongoing civil forfeiture lawsuit with the ultimate goal of remitting the seized $4,856,578.51 to victims in accordance with Department of Justice policy.” Special Agent In Charge Christopher Dotson said, “The FBI remains committed to protecting Americans from scams of all kinds, including business email compromises,” adding that they will continue working with law enforcement partners and educating the public about avoiding such scams.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan J. O’Konek and Matthew D. Greenley cautioned North Dakotans against acting quickly when responding to suspicious emails: “Scammers are successful by relying on time and distance... If an email looks suspicious, it most likely is.”
According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of North Dakota secures justice for communities across all 53 counties in North Dakota—spanning about 70,000 square miles—and serves more than 760,000 residents as well as four major Indian reservations. The office employs a staff of 52 professionals based in Fargo and Bismarck and prosecutes federal crimes while handling civil matters throughout these regions.
The office also partners with law enforcement agencies on community initiatives and acts as primary felony prosecutor for federally recognized tribes in North Dakota according to its official website.
This case continues under investigation by federal authorities including FBI agents and Assistant U.S. Attorneys O’Konek and Greenley representing the government; no further comments will be made regarding ongoing criminal proceedings.
