Federal Charges Filed
BOISE — A Nigerian man accused of orchestrating sextortion and romance scams that defrauded victims of more than $2 million has been extradited to Idaho and made his first appearance in federal court.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Olamide Shanu, 34, of Lagos, Nigeria, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debora K. Grasham on September 17. He faces eight federal charges, including:
- Wire fraud conspiracy
- Aggravated identity theft
- Conspiracy to commit extortion
- Cyberstalking
- Money laundering conspiracy
- Interstate communications with intent to extort
If convicted, Shanu faces up to 20 years in prison along with restitution to victims.
Sextortion and Romance Scam Allegations
Prosecutors allege Shanu and his co-conspirators posed as women on social media platforms to lure male victims into sharing explicit photos. The defendants then allegedly threatened to release the images to friends and family unless the victims paid money.
The indictment also describes additional romance scams and other cyber-enabled fraud schemes. One of the identified victims was a college student in Idaho.
Funds obtained through the schemes were allegedly moved through peer-to-peer payment apps and cryptocurrency wallets, before being transferred to accounts controlled in Nigeria.
Arrest and Extradition
Shanu was arrested by London authorities on November 7, 2023, following an indictment filed in the District of Idaho. He remained in custody in the UK until his recent extradition.
U.S. officials credited the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. State Department for their role in securing his transfer. The UK’s National Crime Agency’s National Extradition Unit also provided assistance.
What’s Next
Shanu’s case will proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho, where federal prosecutors will present evidence of the alleged schemes. If found guilty, he could face significant prison time and be ordered to repay the victims of his fraud.
Related Coverage
- Idaho Local News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
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