A Nigerian man has been arrested and charged with fraud offences after allegedly being involved in a multi-million pound scam targeting pandemic unemployment benefits in the United States.
Yomi Olayeye, 40, is accused of conspiring with others to fraudulently obtain $10 million (over £7.5 million) in COVID-19 relief funds.
He was detained upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors allege that Olayeye and his associates used stolen personal information to file false claims for unemployment benefits in several states, including Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Indiana. They are believed to have used the funds to purchase cryptocurrency and other assets.
The US Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts has described the scheme as a "sophisticated operation" involving the use of stolen identities and fake bank accounts. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking to identify and prosecute other individuals involved in the fraud.