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| FBI Officials. |
Authorities in the United States have initiated legal action against a Nigerian citizen, Olamide Shanu, who was extradited from the United Kingdom due to his alleged involvement in cyber-related offences, including sextortion, romance fraud, and wire fraud, through which he “obtained at least $2 million”.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Shanu, aged 34, from Lagos, Nigeria, made his initial appearance in court on Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debora K. Grasham in the District of Idaho. Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott confirmed the development in a statement issued last week.
Shanu is facing an eight-count indictment, which includes charges of wire fraud conspiracy, aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit interstate communications with intent to extort, cyberstalking, conspiracy to commit extortion, money laundering conspiracy, extortion, and interstate communications with intent to extort.
Shanu had been arrested by authorities in London on 7 November 2023, following the filing of the indictment in Idaho. He remained in custody in the United Kingdom until his extradition to the United States.
According to court records, Shanu and his associates allegedly impersonated women on social media platforms to deceive male victims into sending sexually explicit photographs. The indictment further alleges that once these images were acquired, the conspirators threatened to expose them to the victims’ family and friends unless payments were made.
The indictment asserts that the operation targeted multiple individuals across the United States, including a university student in Idaho. It also claims that the group conducted romance scams and laundered the proceeds using peer-to-peer payment services and cryptocurrency wallets before transferring the funds to Nigeria.
Prosecutors allege that Shanu fraudulently acquired “at least $2 million” through these criminal activities.
If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in a federal prison and may also be required to provide restitution to his victims.
Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott expressed gratitude to various international agencies for their cooperation, stating, “We are grateful for the international cooperation that brought the defendant before justice.”
The case was jointly investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the Boise Police Department. Prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittney Campbell and Sean Mazorol, alongside Trial Attorney Vasantha Rao from the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS).
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