US ex-defence official jailed for laundering millions for Nigerian scammers regains freedom

A former United States Department of Defense employee, Samuel Marcus, has regained his freedom after serving nearly nine months in prison for laundering millions of dollars for Nigeria-based internet fraudsters.

According to Peoples Gazette, the 34-year-old was released following a sentencing hearing on Friday before US District Judge Joel Slomsky.

Marcus pleaded guilty in July to concealment of money laundering after prosecutors accused him of facilitating fraudulent transactions between July 2023 and December 2025.

He allegedly received stolen funds through personal and business accounts before transferring them to fraudsters operating in Nigeria.

Prosecutors said Marcus continued the transactions despite warnings from FBI investigators.

At sentencing, prosecutors and defence lawyers agreed that his time already spent in custody was sufficient punishment.

“This is a very serious offense,” Judge Slomsky said, describing the amount involved as “startling.”

The court ordered Marcus to remain under supervised release for three years and continue receiving mental health treatment.

His documented disabilities were also considered during sentencing.