A 39-year-old Nigerian man, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, has been extradited to the United States from France to face serious charges related to hacking, wire fraud, and identity theft. Amachukwu, who also used the names Chukwuemeka Victor Eletuo and So Kwan Leung, is accused of operating multiple online scams that targeted both individuals and government agencies across the U.S.
According to federal prosecutors, Amachukwu and his co-conspirators ran a sophisticated cyber scheme that involved breaking into the systems of tax preparation businesses. The group used spearphishing emails—deceptive messages designed to trick people into revealing their login credentials—to gain access to sensitive client information.
Massive Cyber Crime Scheme Uncovered
Once they had access to these businesses, the conspirators stole the personal data of thousands of individuals. Using this stolen information, they allegedly filed fake tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and various state tax authorities, seeking fraudulent refunds totaling at least $8.4 million. Investigators say that the group successfully obtained around $2.5 million.
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But the fraud didn’t stop there. Authorities revealed that the stolen identities were also used to file bogus claims under the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This program was launched during the COVID-19 crisis to help struggling businesses. In this phase of the scam, the conspirators secured nearly $819,000 in fraudulent payouts.
One of Amachukwu’s known partners in this operation is Kinglsey Uchelue Utulu, another Nigeria-based conspirator. Together, they allegedly targeted businesses in states including New York and Texas, using digital tools to carry out crimes from across the globe.
Fake Loans and Investment Fraud Also Involved
In a separate but equally damaging scheme, Amachukwu is accused of offering fake investment opportunities involving standby letters of credit—documents that were supposed to guarantee large returns. However, these letters didn’t actually exist. Victims were convinced to invest large sums of money, only to later discover they had been scammed. Amachukwu allegedly pocketed millions of dollars through this fake investment plan.
These schemes left a trail of financial damage, affecting both private individuals and public institutions. Prosecutors say the crimes were deliberate, well-organized, and designed to avoid detection by international borders and legal systems.
Arrested in France and Now Facing Justice in the U.S.
Amachukwu was captured in France following a request by the United States government. His arrest and extradition were made possible through the cooperation of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the French National Gendarmerie.
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Upon arrival in New York, Amachukwu was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe, and the prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Nessim of the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit.
Amachukwu now faces multiple federal charges, including:
- One count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions (maximum 5 years)
- Two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud (maximum 20 years each)
- Two counts of wire fraud (maximum 20 years each)
- One count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of 2 years in prison to be served consecutively.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton praised the work of the FBI, especially the efforts of the New York Field Office led by Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. Raia emphasized the agency’s commitment to holding cybercriminals accountable, no matter where in the world they operate.
As the legal process continues, it is important to remember that Amachukwu is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
