Na U.S. law firm, one foreign bank and one English Premier League club be im target. [36], Related to the above, another study on public opinion on Twitter revealed significant discrepancies between Nigeria's northern and southern regions regarding online fraudsters' arrests, convictions, and sentencing. His past says a lot about digital swagger and the kinds of stories that get told online. Hushpuppi He assumed the identity of a New York banker to entrap his victim, a Qatari businessperson seeking a $15m loan to build a new school in the Gulf state. Ramon Olorunwa Abbas - known to his 2.5 million Instagram followers as Ray Hushpuppi - and another cyber-heist suspect Olalekan Jacob Ponle (aka Mr Woodberry) were arrested in Dubai, where they lived, in June. In the last 7 days. Abbas was one of the most prolific money launderers in the world, Don Alway, assistant director in charge of the FBIs Los Angeles office, said in the statement. April 26, 2023 Hushpuppi: Notorious Nigerian fraudster jailed for 11 years in US BBCView Full coverage on Google News Sources 1/ by newsdesk. [30] The Police chief was further implicated after his conversation with Hushpuppi was released. As he grew older, Seye says, Abbas liked to splash his cash: He was generous. Please click 'Create Account and Subscribe' to create a new account and subscribe to our email alerts. No comments. He has previously denied having any criminal involvement with Abbas - and has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment. For July 2020, di UAE later extradite Hushpuppi go Chicago for America under FBI special agents custody wia dem first carry am go court. "I have seen parents who have taken their children to learn how to become Yahoo Boys. Jon Shilland, fraud lead with the UK's National Crime Agency, says it can be difficult tracking down criminal networks based in multiple jurisdictions. "I want to spend money to send this boy to jail, let him go for a very long time.". Ghaleb Alaumary, 37, of Mississauga in Ontario, Canada, was charged separately. His father was a taxi driver. He has previously denied having any criminal involvement with Abbas and has not responded to the BBCs requests for comment. "They came up with the idea of stealing identities. [31], In a final appeal to Judge Otis Wright ahead of his scheduled sentencing on 19 September 2022, Hushpuppi wrote a personal letter to the court narrating his source of wealth, criminal adventure and regrets. A fact known all too well by Dubai-based lawyer Barney Almazar. And now Mr Kyari too is wanted in the US on charges of fraud, money laundering and identity theft. "[3] Prosecutors cited his "significant" financial assets, "deep ties to foreign countries" and a lack of ties to the United States. Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, he attempted to launder 13m euros (11m; $15m) stolen by a gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta, pleading guilty in April to money laundering, The Nigerian super sleuth wanted in the US, Flashy Nigerian Instagrammers 'caught with $40m in cash', Why Nigerian cyber fraudsters are 'role models', Serena Williams announces pregnancy at Met Gala, Corpse found under Tibet hotel bed leads to probe, New record as 4.56m Indians take flights in a day, Shooting suspect was deported four times - US media, Met Gala 2023: Stars celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, Japan to ban upskirting in stronger sex crime laws, BP profits of 4bn in three months spark criticism. The United States Central District Court in California has sentenced Nigerian internet sensation, Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi to 11 years in prison. This is when his Instagram posts - and crimes - went to another level. But soon, the cracks between the gang started to show. The accounts clerk is fooled into thinking it is a legitimate request from the supplier - and, with a single click of a mouse, vast sums of money are lost. To see how, and to learn how to control cookies, The United Arab Emirates has no extradition treaty with the United States but Dubai police said they had been extradited to the US. It was to receive 100m from a Premier League Football Club, and 200m from a UK firm. He used to buy beer for everyone around.". Hushpuppi And now Mr Kyari too is wanted in the US on charges of fraud, money laundering and identity theft. Local driver Seye told the BBC that he remembered Abbas as a young boy working alongside his mother in the Olojojo market. According to court documents in California, he has cost victims 17m in total. U.S. court fixes new date for Hushpuppis trial [19] The attack was of such seriousness in Malta that then Prime Minister Joseph Muscat was forced to address parliament. Hushpuppi latest news: US justice department dismiss 2023 BBC. BBC News Some of it was laundered via the purchase of a watch worth a staggering $230,000. And then with that identity theft, they went into dating [scams], explains Dr Adedeji Oyenuga, a cybercrime expert at Lagos State University. Terrifyingly simple, BEC works by intercepting payments via fake emails that appear to come from an address that is almost exactly the same as the suppliers. Read about our approach to external linking. To view this content choose accept and continue. But Hushpuppi's lawyer says his client earned his money by monetising his large social media presence. The complaint against him says one Chicago-based company "was defrauded into sending wire transfers totalling $15.2m". Like many Yahoo Boys, Abbas broadened his criminal horizons. This Instagram post cannot be displayed in your browser. He was sentenced to nearly 12 years in federal prison and was ordered to pay more than $30 million in restitution. Heliyon, 8(11), e11142. The scams were to be carried out via Business Email Compromise (BEC). Hushpuppi: the Instagram influencer and international File on 4's Hush Money: The Rise and Fall of an International Fraudster is available on BBC Sounds. By clicking 'Create Account and Subscribe' you agree to us creating an account for you and subscribing you to our newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Legal Notice.Emails, which may be sent daily or less frequently, may include marketing elements. Despite him pleading guilty in April to money laundering, Hushpuppis social media is still live and attracting followers. VideoOn board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, I didnt think make-up was made for black girls, Why there is serious money in kitchen fumes. The BBC has used newly available court documents to uncover the man behind cyber heists that have cost his victims millions, from his humble beginnings as a "Yahoo Boy" hustler in Nigeria to a so-called "Billionaire Gucci Master" living a life of luxury in Dubai before his arrest last year. At the time, Dubai police said they recovered $40m (32m) in cash, 13 luxury cars worth $6.8m, 21 computers, 47 smartphones and the addresses of nearly two million alleged victims. Neither are named in the court documents. One UK victim, who wanted to remain anonymous, says he lost 500,000, has been forced to leave the UAE and is himself facing criminal proceedings in Dubai because of the debt he has incurred as a result of the fraud. Read about our approach to external linking. Forgot your password? A spokesman for the US Department of Justice told the BBC that Hushpuppi was expelled from Dubai and was not extradited. All rights reserved. Most cyber-criminals remain nameless, faceless, anonymous and all but untraceable. Abba Kyari, who has a reputation in Nigeria as a "super cop", has been suspended and is wanted in the US, I have seen parents who have taken their children to learn how to become Yahoo Boys", On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. [7] He claimed to be a real estate developer. [22] U.S. authorities also accused him of aiding North Korean hackers in money laundering.[23]. The affidavit claims that Mr Abbas conspired to launder $14.7m (11.7m) stolen in a cyber-heist from a foreign financial institution in February 2019. Tweets and reactions: revealing the geographies of cybercrime perpetrators and the North-South divide. Read about our approach to external linking. [37], In November 2022, Curtis James Jackson III, a.k.a, 50 Cent, announced his plan on Instagram to shoot a television series on the life of Hushpuppi, including his fraudulent career path and sentencing. Ramon Olorunwa Abbas (born 11 October 1982), commonly known as Hushpuppi, Hush, or Ray Hushpuppi is a Nigerian former Instagram influencer and convicted felon. Too bad they caught on, or it would have been a nice pay out.. In a statement about Mr Abbas' initial court appearance, the DoJ said "FBI special agents earlier this week obtained custody of Abbas and brought him to the United States" without giving any further details. [34], Public opinion on social media offers opportunities to explore contestations between diverse viewpoints. Despite himpleading guilty in April to money laundering, Hushpuppis social media is still live and attracting followers. The scam was very sophisticated. Prosecutors said Abbas and a Canadian man laundered money from various online crimes including bank cyberheists and business email compromise, or BEC, a prolific crime in which crooks hack into email accounts, pretend to be someone theyre not and fool victims into wiring money where it doesnt belong. [37] The study concludes that colonial legacies contributed to the North-South divide regarding online fraud patterns in Nigeria. The Judge had initially rejected the plea of the defendant's motion for a delay of judgement. I want to spend money to send this boy to jail, let him go for a very long time.. Hushpuppi As he grew older, Seye says, Abbas liked to splash his cash: "He was generous. Only a single letter or number will be different. [8] He also holds a passport from St Kitts and Nevis, which was fraudulently obtained through a sham marriage to a St. Kitts and Nevis citizen. He is a celebrity. WebThe Latest news in Nigeria and world news. Breaking news: an unexpected interview. Assignment reveals the inside story of Ramon Abbas, one of a new breed of global cyber-fraudsters. You can unsubscribe whenever you want. "Yahoo Boys" are romance scammers who took their name from the first free email available in Nigeria. "We received calls from our members telling us they were sending money using Bank of Valletta's platform to their foreign suppliers," says Ms Mamo. The reply shows the next heist was being planned: "Next one is in few weeks; will let you know when it's ready. In February 2019,he attempted to launder 13m euros (11m; $15m) stolen by a gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta. By his own admission, during just an 18-month period defendant conspired to launder over $300 million, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum, although they said much of the intended loss did not ultimately materialize.. So when you see someone who is rich, you will pray to God to give you his kind of wealth.". "Afta we don look di document wey dey inside di recent media accounts, di U.S. Attorney Office for Los Angeles, wey file di case against Mr. Abbas, no filed any such document. 'Gucci billionaire' influencer in plot to scam Premier League club BBC Hushpuppi We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. Mr Almazar says shame prevents many more of Hushpuppi's victims coming forward. Ramon Abbas also known as Ray Hushpuppi faces 20 years in prison after he was arrested with a staggering 29 million of cash and 13 luxury cars. Antoine Verglas Opens Up About His Journey To Becoming A Fashion Photographer. Hushpuppi, for charges bordering on Business Email Compromise (BEC) and money laundering. WebFirst broadcast: Thu 16 th Sep 2021, 02:32 on BBC World Service Australasia Latest broadcast: Thu 16 th Sep 2021, 20:06 on BBC World Service East Asia. his efforts to launder millions of stolen dollars. Ramon Abbas - known to his 2.5 million Instagram followers as Hushpuppi - is considered by the FBI to be one of the world's most high-profile fraudsters and faces a prison sentence of up to 20 years in the US after pleading guilty to money laundering. He fears that he might get apprehended at immigration immediately.. The social media platform told the BBC that it had carried out an investigation into his account but had decided not to close it. Hushpuppi - the Instagram influencer and international fraudster For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. One member threatened to blow the whole scam wide open as he was unhappy about the money he was getting. Some are hesitant to admit what has happened.". "The Fall of the Billionaire Gucci Master," retrieved from: BBC News (2021).Hushpuppi: the Instagram influencer and international fraudster, retrieved from: "He flaunted private jets and luxury cars on Instagram. It is alleged that Mr Kyari then falsely arrested and detained the middleman for a month in a squalid Nigerian cell. Experts don bin tell BBC Pidgin say if court find Hushpuppi guilty of di accuse, e fit face maximum prison sentence of nothing less than 20 years for federal prison. "I really don't have any comment right now, I have to learn the facts about this case," he told the BBC. Snared by the FBI in 2020, Abbas is better known as Instagram influencer Hushpuppi, who flaunted a life of designer clothes, private jets and penthouse apartments to millions of followers. [35] A recent study demonstrates that many people on Twitter trivialize the fraudulent actions of online fraudsters such as Hushpuppi. Despite him pleading guilty in April to money laundering, Hushpuppi's social media is still live and attracting followers. We live in a world that loves youth and beauty and is afraid of His social media posts showed him living a life of luxury, complete with private jets, ultra-expensive cars and high-end clothes and watches. Copyright 1997 - 2023 NewsNow Publishing Limited. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) accuses Mr Abbas, 37, of conspiring to launder hundreds of millions of dollars from frauds known as Business Email Compromise (BEC) and other scams. hushpuppi News Latest On Hushpuppi The Guardian [37] Specifically, the study showed that the criminalization of people indigenous to southern Nigeria, such as Hushpuppi, differs substantially from that of Northerners, suggesting that more Southerners are more implicated in internet fraud than Northerners. But everyone knew the source of his mysterious wealth - cybercrime; he was a "Yahoo", Seye says. We are sorry, but the email address you entered does not appear to be valid. The song contained lyrics directed toward Abbas indirectly accusing him of being a swindler and lavishing his money on designer clothes instead of investing in profitable ventures and warning him that he would soon be caught by authorities. "But they also have to cover their losses, so right now he doesn't know how he can get back to the UAE. Once a relationship is established via a false identity, romance scammers wheedle money from their online lovers. 2023 Grace Experience: Ga West Presbytery holds forum to empower women - Anigyee Kasee - Adom TV, First video of Hushpuppi in prison after sentencing pops up, Hushpuppi sentenced to 11 years in prison, Instagram explains suspension of Hushpuppis account, Hes best cleaner in prison; have mercy Hushpuppis lawyer to court, Hushpuppi allegedly caught in fresh $400k fraud while in prison, Lilwin mourns after being hit with sad news, Akufo-Addo appeals for concessionary loans from World Bank, IMF, Netizens criticise designer for poor fit of brides kente corset dress, Kwabena Agyapong wades into Frimpong Boatengs galamsey report, I was an absentee mother Otiko Djaba on why she rejected ambassador job, Sudan crisis: The football coach forced to flee Khartoum, Photos of level 300 UCC student found dead in her hostel, How a pastor embarrassed me after church due to body odour Joseph Mensah, Bride steals spotlight with her backless gown with long pleated train, Kwabena Duffuor II reacts to campaign posters with Mahama. Jon Shilland, fraud lead with the UK's National Crime Agency, says it can be difficult tracking down criminal networks based in multiple jurisdictions. And then with that identity theft, they went into dating [scams]," explains Dr Adedeji Oyenuga, a cybercrime expert at Lagos State University. April 26, 2023 Hushpuppi: Notorious Nigerian fraudster jailed for 11 years in US BBCView Full coverage on Google News Sources 1/ by newsdesk. Read about our approach to external linking. [32], On 19 September 2022, Judge Otis Wright delayed Hushpuppi's sentencing to 3 November 2022. Hushpuppi - Wikipedia "I want to spend money to send this boy to jail, let him go for a very long time.". Hushpuppi is believed to have defrauded his victims, including a Qatari businessman and English football club, to the tune of $24 million. But some believe the actual total could be much higher. Email scams typically try to steal an individual's personal information, or to defraud them by impersonating a legitimate business contact and tricking the target into sending money into a wrong account. In May 2019, Abbas was tasked with setting up a bank account in Mexico. As he grew older, Seye says, Abbas liked to splash his cash: "He was generous. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Abbas's final big scam before his arrest in Dubai in June 2020 was straight-up identity theft, borrowed from the Yahoo Boy romance scams of his youth. Just days after we put the same question to Snapchat, which deleted Hushpuppi's account. [36] The manifestation of linguistic maneuvering, "advantageous comparison" as a preferred technique of choice by Twitter users, exposes their total trivialization of online fraudsters' economic actions, e.g., Huspuppi. Dr Oyenuga says Hushpuppi's influence endures as he is still regarded as a role model: "We're in a country where a lot of young people are suffering. Hushpuppi's former home, 9 Ogunyomi Street, in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos, Hushpuppi's Instagram posts about his luxurious lifestyle attracted hundreds of thousands of likes, Investigators say it is difficult to track down scammers when those in a network are based all over the world. Instagram star hushpuppi has been charged with conspiracy to commit a massive money laundering scheme by the Department of Justice. See all episodes from The Documentary Podcast, A window into our world - investigating, exploring and telling stories from everywhere. Between December 2019 and February 2020, Abbas and a gang of alleged middlemen in Kenya, Nigeria and the US groomed and conned the victim out of more than a million dollars. Hushpuppi also deny money laundering conspiracies, international money laundering and oda crime dem. They're sometimes called 419 scams, after the relevant article in the Nigerian Criminal Code. None of the Premiership clubs would confirm whether or not they were the intended victim. His lawyer Michael B Nash told the judge at a detention hearing on Thursday that he had not had a chance to speak to his client. You may want to read Metas Instagram cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. He refused to discuss how he was getting paid for legal fees or the source of Hushpuppi's money. Their foreign suppliers did not receive the money Were talking about thousands of euros.. He texted his contact - Nigerian police officer Abba Kyari - saying: "I want him to go through serious beating of his life. Ramon Abbas also known as Ray Hushpuppi faces 20 years in prison after he was arrested with a staggering 29 million of cash and 13 luxury cars. Some of it was laundered via the purchase of a watch worth a staggering $230,000. But the Premiership scam fell apart when the UK banks refused to pay into the Mexican account. Investigators noted the "substantial wealth" on display on hushpuppi's account, where he poses with supercars, shopping bags and in luxury locations. [17], Upon his arrival in the United States on 3 July 2020, he was accused of conspiring to launder 'hundreds of millions of dollars'. Hushpuppi is currently standing trial in the US for cyber fraud, money laundering and other related crimes, following his arrest in 2020 along with associates in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Adele Paramountcy: Chiefs in Oti Region appeal for traditional council as they bury late leader. Mr Pissetzky says the case could last several months, even longer than a year. Neither are named in the court documents. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? But everyone knew the source of his mysterious wealth cybercrime; he was a Yahoo, Seye says. Nigerian social media influencer, Ramon Olorunwa Abbas popularly known as Ray Hushpuppi, was charged and indicted in a $1.1 million fraud by the United States "Their foreign suppliers did not receive the money We're talking about thousands of euros.". "You'll have to ask them about why they called it an extradition," the US Department of Justice (DoJ) spokesman responded in an email. S2.3 Hushpuppi A social media influencer is laundering cash for the hackers to fund his luxury lifestyle 39 mins 27 Mar 2023 S2.2 Big Boss The hackers turn to the dark web. "The scam was very sophisticated. [18], The affidavit also accused Abbas and a co-conspirator of conspiring to launder funds intended to be stolen through fraudulent wire transfers from a 'foreign financial institution' in which fraudulent wire transfers, totalling approximately US$14.7 million, were sent to bank accounts around the world in February 2019. 3.The truly fascinating story of Doris Payne, aka "Diamond Doris," a 91-year-old jewel thief who used 22 aliases while stealing millions of dollars worth of jewelry from around the world and was arrested more than 20 times in countries like Greece, France, England, and Switzerland over the course of six decades. Listen to the latest episodes of The Lazarus Heist on BBC Sounds. Local driver Seye told the BBC that he remembered Abbas as a young boy working alongside his mother in the Olojojo market. "Their foreign suppliers did not receive the money We're talking about thousands of euros.". The rise and fall of Hushpuppi the social media influencer and global money-launderer. "But they also have to cover their losses, so right now he doesn't know how he can get back to the UAE. The bank did not respond to a request for comment. Once a relationship is established via a false identity, romance scammers wheedle money from their online lovers. The scams were to be carried out via Business Email Compromise (BEC). Is climate change killing Australian wine? He was handed over to the agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who took him to the United States of America to face the consequences of his criminal activities. "We received calls from our members telling us they were sending money using Bank of Valletta's platform to their foreign suppliers," says Ms Mamo. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? It stated that Hushpuppi risks 20 years imprisonment; a 3-year period of supervised release; a fine of $500,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss resulting from the offence. WebHushpuppis Ally, Woodberry Pleads Guilty To Yahoo Yahoo, To Forfeit $8 Million, Cars, Watches, Others. One UK victim, who wanted to remain anonymous, says he lost 500,000, has been forced to leave the UAE - and is himself facing criminal proceedings in Dubai because of the debt he has incurred as a result of the fraud. "OMG. According to the affidavit[24] other communications between Abbas and one of his co-conspirators indicated that the two had conspired to "launder tens, and at times hundreds, of millions of dollars that were proceeds of other fraudulent schemes and computer intrusions, including a fraudulent scheme to steal 100 million ($124 million) from an English Premier League football club. Hushpuppi - the Instagram influencer and international The Guardian Nigeria Newspaper brings you the latest headlines, opinions, political news, business reports and international news. Shopping trolleys filled with goods were abandoned at checkouts as payment systems shut down. BBC The United Arab Emirates has no extradition treaty with the United States but Dubai police said they had been extradited to the US. But everyone knew the source of his mysterious wealth - cybercrime; he was a "Yahoo", Seye says. The scams were to be carried out via Business Email Compromise (BEC). Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, statement about Mr Abbas' initial court appearance, Africa Live: The latest from the continent, Flashy Nigerian Instagrammers 'caught with $40m in cash', Dubai police said they recovered $40m (32m) in cash, 13 luxury cars worth $6.8m, 21 computers, 47 smartphones and the addresses of nearly two million alleged victims, Serena Williams announces pregnancy at Met Gala, Corpse found under Tibet hotel bed leads to probe, New record as 4.56m Indians take flights in a day, Shooting suspect was deported four times - US media, Met Gala 2023: Stars celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, Japan to ban upskirting in stronger sex crime laws, BP profits of 4bn in three months spark criticism. VideoOn board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, I didnt think make-up was made for black girls, Why there is serious money in kitchen fumes. The reply shows the next heist was being planned: Next one is in few weeks; will let you know when its ready. Little did they know that his lavish lifestyle was funded through a complex web of cyber-heists. I hope someday I will be inspiring more young people to join me on this path, read one Instagram post by Abbas, who pleaded guilty in April 2021 to one count of conspiracy to engage in money laundering. In February 2019, he attempted to launder 13m euros (11m; $15m) stolen by a gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta.
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