A Nigerian man from Lagos State, identified as Yomi Olaleye, was apprehended on August 13, 2024, at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.
He faces serious charges related to the alleged theft of $10 million from COVID-19 unemployment relief funds in the United States.
Olaleye, 40, is accused of participating in a scheme to fraudulently obtain funds meant for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The allegations suggest that he, along with co-conspirators, targeted multiple relief programs, including Unemployment Insurance, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. These programs were managed by the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance and other state agencies.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Olaleye and his associates allegedly used stolen personal information obtained from criminal internet forums to apply for these benefits, falsely posing as eligible residents from various states. They reportedly received over $1.5 million from their fraudulent activities.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts revealed that Olaleye faces charges of wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He could potentially face up to 20 years in prison if convicted, along with substantial fines and restitution.
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The arrest is part of a broader effort by U.S. authorities to crack down on pandemic-related fraud, with significant resources dedicated to identifying and prosecuting those involved in such activities.
Olaleye made his first court appearance in New York on August 14, 2024. The case remains under investigation as authorities continue their efforts to bring all involved parties to justice.
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