A Nigerian man based in the United States, Samson Omoniyi, along with eight other individuals, has been arrested on charges of money laundering and fraud. Omoniyi, 43, who resides in Houston, Texas, faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if found guilty by US authorities.
The arrest was part of a coordinated operation across three jurisdictions in the United States. The US Department of Justice unsealed an indictment on Tuesday, detailing the charges against Omoniyi and his accomplices.
According to a statement released by the Office of Public Affairs of the US Department of Justice on Wednesday, the group is accused of being part of a larger money laundering organization that allegedly laundered millions of dollars derived from fraudulent activities, including internet fraud schemes such as business email compromise (BEC).
Money Laundering Scheme Involved Millions of Dollars
The indictment alleges that since November 2016, the defendants engaged in a sophisticated money laundering operation, primarily operating in Tennessee, Texas, and other parts of the United States. The group allegedly used various tactics to launder proceeds from internet fraud and other criminal activities.
In addition to Omoniyi, the indictment also names eight other individuals:
- Misha L. Cooper, 50, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee
- Robert A. Cooper, 66, of Murfreesboro
- Carlesha L. Perry, 36, of Houston
- Whitney D. Bardley, 30, of Florissant, Missouri
- Lauren O. Guidry, 32, of Houston
- Caira Y. Osby, 44, of Houston
- Dazai S. Harris, 34, of Murfreesboro
- Edward D. Peebles, 35, of Murfreesboro
All the accused individuals have been charged with conspiracy to engage in money laundering, although they remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Background on the Alleged Fraud Scheme
According to court documents, the money laundering organization was involved in multiple fraudulent activities that defrauded several individuals across the United States. The fraud included schemes that targeted vulnerable victims through business email compromise and other internet-based scams.
The indictment marks a significant step in the investigation into the group’s activities, with authorities emphasizing the scale of the operation and the impact of the alleged crimes.
Potential Sentence for Samson Omoniyi and Co-Defendants
If convicted, Omoniyi and the other defendants could face significant prison sentences, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for money laundering.
The US Department of Justice continues to investigate the operation, and further charges may be forthcoming as the case develops.
