A total of 80 people are accused of participating in a mass breach of corporate email accounts and other suspicious activities.
A few days ago, the US Department of Justice said that the defendants participated in a massive conspiracy to steal millions of dollars through various scams (targeting email). In addition, they laundered money through a Los Angeles-based service.
Most of the defendants are Nigerian nationals. in the US . The remaining defendants are believed to be abroad, most likely in Nigeria.
US prosecutors allege that the suspects are involved in scams and other frauds, primarily targeting the elderly.
The defendants attacked small and large businesses around the world , and in particular legal firms.
Some victims lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. US law enforcement reports that at least $6 million was stolen, with attempts to steal another $40 million.
The fraudsters used compromised bank accounts to transfer stolen cash.
In many cases, the stolen funds were sent abroad. The thieves used a Nigerian banking app to transfer millions of dollars and convert them into Nigeria's local currency, the Naira.
All defendants are considered complicit in committing fraud, money laundering and theft .
An investigation had already been launched in 2017. The investigation is ongoing by the FBI and is supported by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Homeland Security Investigations Agency, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the California Tax Board.
In 2017, the FBI warned businesses about scams targeting corporate emails. In 2018, American businesses lost $1.3 billion to these scams.
According to the FBI, today's announcement highlights the extensive efforts of organized crime groups that use these scams to target American citizens. Billions of dollars are lost each year, which is why the FBI is educating citizens about the sophisticated methods of fraudsters so they can protect themselves and their businesses.
A few days ago, the Attorney General found five criminals guilty who are believed to have defrauded US military personnel and veterans of millions of dollars
According to prosecutors, the scammers stole victims' personal data and used it to gain access to military payment portals.
