A United States District Court has sentenced a France-based Nigerian, Newton Ofioritse Jemide, to 41 months in prison for his central role in a complex $8 million disaster relief fraud that targeted vulnerable Americans in their time of need. Jemide, aged 47, was extradited from France to face justice after US authorities uncovered his involvement in a transnational syndicate that fraudulently siphoned federal grants meant for victims of devastating wildfires between 2016 and 2017.
The sentencing, delivered by Judge Deborah K. Chasanow, also includes three years of supervised release, a restitution order of $520,431, and the forfeiture of more than $311,000 to the US government.
How the Crime Unfolded
According to the US Department of Justice (DoJ), Jemide masterminded a scheme that stole the identities of unsuspecting US citizens to open hundreds of Green Dot debit card accounts.
These accounts were then used to illegally claim federal benefits from agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the funds loaded onto the cards through a web of fraudulent applications.
The operation was international in scope, with co-conspirators in Nigeria registering the cards using stolen identities, while their US-based counterparts purchased and cashed out the cards, sharing the illicit proceeds for a commission.
“Jemide and select co-conspirators informed other co-conspirators when the fraudulent funds became available on the debit cards and gave them information to cash out the funds from the cards in exchange for a commission,” the US DoJ revealed in a statement.
To further conceal their activities, the syndicate used multiple bank and store locations for withdrawals and made money orders payable to third parties and corporate entities.
The scam ultimately led to at least $8 million in fraudulent FEMA disbursements, diverting crucial resources away from genuine disaster victims.
International Crackdown on Cybercrime
Jemide’s conviction is the latest in a series of high-profile cases targeting international fraud rings that exploit global crises for personal gain.
It underscores the growing collaboration between law enforcement agencies across continents, as well as the severe consequences awaiting those who engage in such crimes.
US authorities have praised the cooperation with their French counterparts, which made Jemide’s extradition and prosecution possible.
Meanwhile, investigations continue into other members of the syndicate, with several already facing charges in the US and Nigeria.
While the financial loss is staggering, the real tragedy lies in the impact on disaster victims. The fraudulent diversion of funds meant that countless families struggling to recover from wildfires were left without the support they desperately needed.
Quote of the Day:
“Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every naira or dollar stolen is a lifeline cut off from someone in need.”
— Justice Deborah K. Chasanow, US District Judge
As the dust settles on this landmark case, the message is clear: International fraudsters will be tracked down and brought to justice, no matter where they operate. Jemide’s sentencing serves as a warning and a reminder that the world is watching—and that those who prey on the vulnerable will ultimately face the full weight of the law.
