World News
Nigerian extradited to US to face charges for a mega fraud worth millions of dollars
A Nigerian man identified as Olamilekan Idowu Fatade was on Thursday, July 14, extradited to the United States of America to face prosecution on fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.
Vanguard reports that a statement by the Department of Justice, US Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, Fatade’s repatriation was in connection with “fraudulently obtaining and attempting to obtain millions of dollars of medical equipment, laboratory products, computer equipment, and hardware, and other merchandise from suppliers of such merchandise across the United States by impersonating, among other individuals, procurement officials of U.S. state and local governments and educational institutions.”
It was also stated that Fatade will be presented before US Magistrate Judge James L. Cott. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.
Read: Nigerian jailed for fraud scheme targeting elderly victims, ordered to $486,119.07 in restitution to his victims
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement on Saturday July 16.
Williams said; “Fatade Idowu Olamilekan is alleged to have carried out a sprawling criminal scheme to fraudulently obtain medical equipment and other merchandise. Olamilekan allegedly identified U.S. procurement officials, including the Chief Procurement Officer for New York, to then impersonate them and use their credentials to request millions of dollars in equipment shipments from various suppliers without advance payment. Olamileken has now been extradited to the U.S. for his alleged attempt to illegally profiteer from the worldwide pandemic.”
In addition, Driscoll said; “We allege Olamilekan impersonated state procurement officials during the height of the pandemic and stole critically-needed medical equipment that was in high demand and short supply. Fraud can have immediate and direct impacts on people, and we remain determined to bring those who commit it to justice.”
It was reported that from at least in or about 2018 through at least on or about September 14, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic in 2019, Fatade impersonated the Chief Procurement Officer of New York State in an effort to fraudulently obtain medical equipment, including defibrillators. He engaged in the following conduct to carry out his criminal scheme:
He also identified procurement officials to impersonate, by using used aliases and a Lithuanian web hosting company to register email accounts with domains that had slight variations from the legitimate email accounts used by procurement officials in order to “spoof” or impersonate those officials’ email accounts (the “spoofed emailed accounts”).
Read Also: Nigerian nightclub owner and accomplice get 15 years imprisonment in South Africa for defrauding property traders of over $650,000
In total, Fatade registered and used deceived email accounts impersonating at least (i) eight different procurement officials of state and local governments in California, Illinois, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Vermont; and (ii) three procurement officials of educational institutions located in Georgia and New York.
These were among other criminal charges levelled against Olamilekan which include the spoofed email accounts to send emails impersonating the procurement official and seeking quotes for medical, laboratory, and computer equipment from targeted suppliers.
He also received a response from a targeted supplier, he provided the supplier with a purchase order containing the forged signature of the impersonated procurement official and an address for a warehouse located in the United States for delivery and storage of the equipment purchased.
Read Also:EFCC presents more evidence against Naira Marley in credit card fraud case
Olamilekan, a 40-year-old resident of Lagos, Nigeria, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 27 years in prison, one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum penalty of 17 years in prison, and 12 counts of aggravated theft, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison to be run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.
The maximum and minimum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
World News
DaBaby says he went from getting $300K for a feature to $150K after recent controversy
American rapper, DaBaby has revealed that he now gets half of what he used to get paid for a feature verse after a recent controversy.
World News
Napoléon by Abel Gance (1st period) opening Cannes Classics at the 77th Festival de Cannes
A legend known to cinephiles the world over, a major work of the silent era, one of the most monumental restorations in the history of filmmaking will be unveiled on May 14 as a world premiere: Napoléon by Abel Gance (1st period), in a version resulting from a colossal, passionate effort by the Cinémathèque française, with the support of the CNC.
|
|
|
Buzz
Davido Inks Partnership with UnitedMasters For His Nine+ Records Venture
Making yet another major power move, three-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated Nigerian global superstar and Afrobeats pioneer Davido has inked a deal with UnitedMasters for his recently launched label Nine+ Records.
In this groundbreaking collaboration, Davido will spearhead artist development, A&R, and behind-the-scenes curation, nurturing a pioneering lineup of artists across the continent under Nine+ Records. United by a shared vision, the teams will work together to introduce and foster talent, amplifying Davido’s influence and extending his reach even further. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in shaping the future of African and world music.
Together, the teams will collaborate closely in order to not only introduce, but cultivate career talent. It only expands Davido’s influence and reach.
Read Also: Davido gifts fan $50k to payoff student loans
Of today’s announcement Davido said, “I couldn’t be more proud to partner with Steve and the team at United Masters, this announcement represents an exciting new chapter for developing and established artists around the world.”
Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters states, “Over the last 2 years, we’ve proven our commitment to Africa investing in artists, education, and technology. Today, we are doubling down. With this new venture with Davido & the launch of Nine Plus Records, we reinforce our mission in becoming a bridge for artists on the continent. Together we’ll identify & develop new artists while supporting them with brand and synch opportunities.”
Nine+ Records will be announcing more artists and partners in the future.
Last night, Davido just sold out one of the most iconic venues in the world, headlining Madison Square Garden in New York City. He ignited the stage with what will be remembered as a historic set, bringing Afrobeats to the Big Apple in the biggest way possible. In advance of the show, he extensively spoke to Billboard who praised how “Performing in New York has also become a special ritual” for him.
This news also arrives on the heels of various major company announcements for UnitedMasters. The company locked down a high-profile alliance with SymphonyOS and Groover. Plus, it hosted its annual “A Celebration of Independence” GRAMMY® Concert at the Palladium in Hollywood, CA. The show boasted an all-star lineup, including headliner Davido, Uncle Waffles, Tokischa, Donavan’s Yard, and NLE Choppa. Of the latter, The Source wrote, “This marked the first time UnitedMasters featured international acts, solidifying its impact and representation within the global independent artist movement.”
Stay tuned for a whole lot more soon
World News
Record Rainfall in UAE: Dubai in Chaos as Streets Flood
Chaos swept through the United Arab Emirates as it faced the most intense rainfall in 75 years, with certain regions recording over 250 mm (approximately 10 inches) of rain within a mere 24-hour period, as per the state’s media office statement released on Wednesday, April 17. (more…)
World News
Ashanti & Nelly Are Engaged, Expecting First Child Together
World News
Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will co-preside over the Caméra d’or Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes
The 77th Festival de Cannes will feature an unprecedented yet self-evident pairing at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury. As rich dialogue and inspiring gaze arise from encounters, the Festival de Cannes is eager to bring together Emmanuelle Béart and Baloji to co-preside over the Jury that will honor one of the first films presented in the Festival’s Official Selection or its parallel sections.
An unprecedented pairing since French actress Emmanuelle Béart and director and songwriter Baloji, who evolves in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have never met. She has worked with some of the world’s greatest filmmakers, dazzling both screen and stage with her incandescent performance. He is a bold, visionary creator, who made two short films before receiving the New Voice Prize at Un Certain Regard in 2023 for his acclaimed debut feature Omen.
An obvious pairing as both are free spirits with no limits, who rely on their art to achieve creative freedom. Through her impressive filmography and her humanitarian commitment, Emmanuelle Béart is forever supporting a filmmaking to be shared, to emancipate, transcend borders and help us live together. Baloji, in his first feature film with impressive aesthetic mastery, delivers a chronicle that transcends otherness through the prism of magical realism.
Delighted to be paired at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury, Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will combine their voices to welcome the first features of filmmakers who look at the world with inspiration, tell us about it with emotion and invite us to discuss it with the conviction of beginnings. “Being a self-taught filmmaker and a filmmaker from the Congolese diaspora,” confides Baloji, “it’s a great honour to be able to witness the vitality of first-time directors, to discover their strong singularities and their inaugural work, which will have a lasting impact on the identity of their filmography.” Emmanuelle Béart declares: “A first film is about the impossibility of doing anything other than delving into the depths of one’s being to find out what we can’t keep quiet about. A deeply moving and terribly free birth: no one is waiting for you yet. We will honor our duty with wonder and respect.”
The Caméra d’or Jury has been co-chaired three times before: by actress Françoise Fabian and director Daniel Schmid in 1996, by Marthe Keller and Géraldine Chaplin in 2002, and by brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne in 2006.
In 2023, the Caméra d’Or was awarded to Pham Thien An for Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell by the Jury presided over by French actress Anaïs Demoustier
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EIB Network issues statement on Serwaa Amihere’s leaked video controversy
My wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
Nigerian dancer Korra Obidi attacked with Knife and acid during live stream
Stonebwoy performs ‘Activate’ with Davido at sold-out Madison Square Garden show
Ghana’s entertainment industry mourns death of DJ Isaac Cool
HEADIE ONE X STORMZY RELEASE “CRY NO MORE” – FIRST SINGLE FROM HEADIE ONE’S NEW ALBUM
Afronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
DaBaby says he went from getting $300K for a feature to $150K after recent controversy
let’s be thankful for the Peace we’re enjoying; war can devastate a nation – ACP Kofi Sarpong to Ghanaians
Gavi and UNICEF welcome approval of new oral cholera vaccine
Buzz2 days agoMy wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
Buzz1 week agoNigerian dancer Korra Obidi attacked with Knife and acid during live stream
Buzz2 days agoStonebwoy performs ‘Activate’ with Davido at sold-out Madison Square Garden show
Buzz1 week agoGhana’s entertainment industry mourns death of DJ Isaac Cool
Buzz17 hours agoAfronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
Buzz1 week agoMedikal confirms separation from Fella Makafui; offers to perform at her future wedding
Buzz1 week agoStonebwoy inks new deal with Warner Music’s ADA Worldwide
Buzz1 week agoSelly Galley suffered five miscarriages – Praye Tietia reveals
Buzz3 days agoFamily of accident victims refuses to press charges against Funny Face despite pressure
Buzz1 week agoJerry Amilo apologises for posting Junior Pope’s corpse
Buzz2 days agoGhana’s New Train from Poland Crashes During Test Run
Buzz1 week agoWe need ‘utmost privacy’ – Family of the late Mawuena Adzo Trebarh Requests
