A Nigerian man, James Junior Aliyu, has been sentenced to 90 months in prison in the United States for his role in a complex fraud and money laundering operation.
Aliyu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and will also forfeit $1.2 million and pay $2.4 million in restitution to victims.
The scheme, which involved multiple locations and coordinated transactions, caused actual losses of at least $1.57 million, with intended losses of over $4.1 million.
US authorities described the operation as deliberate and organised, with the intent to disguise the source and ownership of the proceeds.
The sentencing is part of a broader US crackdown on financial crimes involving Nigerian nationals.
“Such prosecutions are intended not only to punish offenders but also to deter similar schemes and reinforce compliance with financial regulations,” officials said.
Aliyu was the last of three principal defendants to admit guilt in the case.
