Nigerian National Extradited to Georgia for $100 Million Tax Fraud Scheme

Federal prosecutors have arraigned Akinade Adedeji Raheem, a 43-year-old Nigerian national, on multiple fraud and identity theft charges after his extradition from Benin, West Africa. Raheem faces serious allegations in a scheme that targeted the U.S. tax system, involving conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, money laundering, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, Raheem and his alleged co-conspirator, Abayomi Quadri Eletu, are accused of stealing sensitive taxpayer data to submit over 300 fraudulent tax returns between 2018 and 2023, claiming refunds exceeding $100 million from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The fraudulent activities involved obtaining personal identifying information from tax professionals and taxpayers, which was then used to file false tax returns. The proceeds from these fraudulent claims were reportedly laundered through prepaid debit cards and purchases of used cars shipped to Nigeria, among other items.

U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg emphasized the extensive nature of the fraud and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in bringing Raheem to justice. He faces significant penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, along with additional sentences for other charges.