A United States court has convicted 25 people over a massive international email fraud network linked to Nigeria-led fraud groups, having more than 1,000 people who were scammed out of $215 million online deals.
The scheme spanned 47 US states and 19 countries. According to a US Justice Department, Nigerians and Ghanaians are among those convicted.
Investigators found that the group had hacked email accounts, tracked victims’ communications, and sent fake payment requests.
Victims unknowingly transferred large sums — sometimes millions — into accounts controlled by the network, according to DW, Africa.
The scammers laundered the money through shell companies, fake identities, and complex financial channels. Cash, luxury items, and properties were seized during the investigation.
