A Nigerian national has been sentenced to nearly 12 years in prison for his role in a fraudulent scheme involving a North Dakota law firm.
Christopher Agbaje, along with accomplices, was found guilty of aiding in a scheme to defraud the firm through deceptive digital transactions.
Between November and December 2020, Agbaje and his co-conspirators posed as a business owner involved in a legal dispute with a company in Bismarck, creating a fake attorney-client relationship with the firm.
They then sent a fraudulent Citibank check for $198,850.00 to the firm, which was deposited into their account. At Agbaje’s request, the firm subsequently wired $198,336.68 to Agbaje’s business partner.
Following the transfer, Agbaje instructed his partner to carry out a fake $180,000 international transfer to obscure the money’s location and ownership. When law enforcement began investigating the fraudulent transfer, Agbaje allegedly told his partner to “gain leverage,” “press on,” and “claim naivety.”
Extradited from the United Kingdom to North Dakota in February 2024, Agbaje faced five charges. While he was acquitted of Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud in May, he was convicted of Money Laundering, Aiding and Abetting Wire Fraud, and Aiding and Abetting Mail Fraud.
On September 11, Agbaje was sentenced to 142 months in prison and ordered to pay $188,935.74 in restitution to the firm.
United States Attorney Mac Schneider commented, “This substantial sentence demonstrates that international fraudsters cannot evade justice. When North Dakotans fall victim to fraud, our prosecutors and law enforcement will pursue justice, whether in Bismarck, Fargo, or beyond.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. added, “Today’s sentencing proves that no fraud scheme is beyond reach, regardless of its complexity. The FBI, in collaboration with global partners, remains committed to safeguarding the financial security of the American public from exploitation.”
