NIGERIAN NAMED ON US MOST WANTED LIST OVER ALLEGED $1M FRAUD
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By ‘Sefiu Ajape
A Nigerian, Onoriode Ezewu, has been named among 16 fugitives on the United States Department of Labour’s first-ever Most Wanted List over allegations of money laundering linked to fraudulent unemployment benefit claims exceeding $1m.
The department’s Office of Inspector General unveiled the list on its website on Wednesday, identifying individuals wanted in connection with alleged offences ranging from fraud and identity theft to money laundering and labour trafficking.
According to the agency, the cases collectively involve more than $55m allegedly stolen from American taxpayers.
Ezewu’s profile on the department’s website identifies him as wanted for concealment money laundering and indicates that he is believed to be residing in Nigeria.
“In January 2021, Ezewu was charged with 15 counts of concealment money laundering tied to fraudulent UI and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims filed using stolen identities, in a scheme exceeding $1 million that also touched SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
“Following his arrest and initial appearance, Ezewu violated the conditions of his pre-trial release and an arrest warrant was issued,” the department said.
Announcing the initiative, the US Department of Labour’s Inspector General, Anthony P. D’Esposito, said the list was designed to strengthen efforts to track down the fugitives and recover funds allegedly stolen from taxpayers.
“Today we are introducing our first-ever Most Wanted List, targeting 16 fraudsters who stole more than $55 million from hardworking American taxpayers,” D’Esposito said.
He added that the agency was collaborating with the White House Fraud Task Force to locate the suspects and ensure accountability for the alleged losses.
“In partnership with the White House Fraud Task Force, we are using every resource possible and will not stop until every one of these criminals is in handcuffs and every stolen dollar is accounted for. No more excuses. No more hiding. The hunt is on,” he added.
The department said the list was intended to enlist the support of members of the public, the media, online platforms and international partners in locating the wanted individuals.
It also announced the arrest of another person on the list, Leslie Kaciban, in Hungary. Kaciban is awaiting extradition to the United States over an alleged labour racketeering scheme involving approximately $4m in illegal kickbacks.
The department urged anyone with information about suspected wrongdoing involving its programmes or operations to contact its Office of Inspector General.
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