Nigerian man Newton Ofioritse Jemide was extradited from France to face charges in the U.S. for his involvement in a scam that stole over $8 million in federal disaster assistance intended for hurricane and wildfire victims. Jemide and others were accused of using stolen identities to open prepaid debit cards and apply for assistance from programs like FEMA. This type of disaster relief fraud is a major issue, with scammers taking advantage of victims following natural disasters.
Jemide could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that he and his co-conspirators also applied for Social Security Benefits and IRS tax refunds using stolen identities. The scheme lasted nearly two years, during which the group cashed out on claims through various means.
The Justice Department is currently investigating hundreds of individuals for similar disaster fraud cases, with scammers also targeting pandemic relief programs. FEMA has issued warnings to the public, advising people to be wary of individuals posing as government officials to collect personal information for fraudulent schemes. The agency has received over 220,000 fraud complaints and encourages anyone who suspects fraud to report it through the National Center for Disaster Fraud website.
Overall, the case highlights the prevalence of disaster relief fraud in the U.S. and the importance of remaining vigilant against scams and identity theft following natural disasters.
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