In a dramatic turn of events, 39-year-old Nigerian Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu has been extradited from France to the United States to answer for his alleged role in a massive cybercrime operation.
Known by aliases like Chukwuemeka Victor Eletuo and So Kwan Leung, Amachukwu is accused of being part of a sophisticated hacking ring that swindled over $3.3 million through a web of deceit, targeting businesses and individuals across the U.S.
According to report, federal prosecutors, Amachukwu and his group used cunning spearphishing tactics to infiltrate tax preparation companies in states like New York and Texas.
They allegedly stole sensitive personal information from thousands of clients, which they then used to file fake tax returns with the IRS and state agencies, aiming to rake in over $8.4 million in refunds.
The scheme reportedly netted them around $2.5 million.
But the accusations don’t stop there. Amachukwu is also said to have exploited the U.S. Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 relief program, fraudulently securing about $819,000 in loans meant to help struggling businesses during the pandemic.
On top of that, he’s accused of running an investment scam, luring victims with promises of nonexistent financial instruments called standby letters of credit, allegedly pocketing millions more.
Arrested in France at the request of U.S. authorities, Amachukwu now finds himself in a New York courtroom, facing a slew of charges including conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
His case, overseen by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe, could lead to decades behind bars if he’s found guilty.
