Summary
A federal jury has convicted Demani Jawara Bosket, 51, of Saluda, South Carolina, and his niece, Tanya Lashawn Bosket, 53, of Charlotte, North Carolina, for their roles in a large wire fraud and money laundering scheme that stole more than $25 million from victims across the United States through a network of fraudulent business and bank accounts.
The convictions came after a seven-day trial in federal court. Prosecutors presented evidence showing that the fraud operation relied on business email compromise (BEC) scams, a type of cybercrime that targets financial transactions by gaining access to business email accounts. The scheme also depended on sham business accounts and bank accounts used to receive, transfer, and withdraw fraudulently obtained funds.
Key Points
- More than $25 million was stolen through the scheme.
- Victims included businesses and private individuals.Three illegal aliens from guatemala indicted for crimes related to unaccompanied alien children, including smuggling and fraud charges — DOJ
- Real estate transactions, loan payments, vendor payments, and inheritance transfers were affected.
- About $2.5 million was recovered by investigators.
- Several other members of the conspiracy pleaded guilty before the trial ended.
How the Fraud Operation Worked
According to evidence introduced during the trial, foreign entities carried out business email compromise attacks against companies throughout the United States. These cybercriminals gained access to legitimate business email accounts and monitored communications between companies and customers.
Once they identified a large financial transaction, they sent fraudulent emails that appeared genuine. The messages instructed victims to send money to bank accounts controlled by the fraud network rather than the intended recipient.
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Multiple victims testified during the trial that their transactions were intercepted and redirected. The affected transactions included real estate closings, vendor payments, loan disbursements, and even inheritance transfers.
Authorities said the scheme depended on U.S.-based bank accounts to receive the stolen funds. Evidence showed that Demani Bosket acted as a recruiter and manager within the fraud ring. He allegedly instructed participants, including Tanya Bosket, to create sham businesses and register them with state authorities.
After establishing the fake businesses, participants opened business bank accounts at several financial institutions. These accounts were then used to receive funds sent by victims who believed they were completing legitimate transactions.
Once money entered the accounts, it was quickly withdrawn through cash withdrawals and cashier’s checks. Funds were also transferred through multiple accounts to make recovery more difficult for banks and victims.
Investigators told the court that members of the fraud network kept a portion of the money before sending the remaining funds overseas.
Federal Investigation and Jury Verdict
Federal authorities determined that the fraud operation ran from 2020 through 2024 and generated losses exceeding $25 million. Investigators were able to recover approximately $2.5 million, which is expected to be returned to victims.
Several other defendants connected to the conspiracy pleaded guilty before the conclusion of the trial. These individuals included Jahbir Rolando Fowle of Charlotte, North Carolina; Raymone Tyshay Scott Sr. of Jacksonville, Florida; Michael Bevans-Silva of Savannah, Georgia; Carlise Roland of Auburn, Washington; Daniel Alexander Edwards of Jacksonville, Florida; Danny Heard of Jacksonville, Florida; and Jamian Butler of Jacksonville, Florida.
The jury found both Demani Bosket and Tanya Bosket guilty of wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, Demani Bosket was convicted on six separate wire fraud counts, while Tanya Bosket was convicted on four separate wire fraud counts.
Demani Bosket faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $50 million, and restitution. Tanya Bosket faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $50 million, and restitution.
The trial was presided over by U.S. District Judge Sherri Lydon. Sentencing will take place after the court reviews pre-sentence reports prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Agency for International Development Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI Columbia Field Office, and the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys T. DeWayne Pearson and A. Lothrop Morris prosecuted the case.
