Nigerian named on US most wanted list over $1m fraud

A Nigerian, Onoriode Ezewu, has been named on the United States Department of Labour’s first-ever Most Wanted List over alleged money laundering involving fraudulent unemployment benefit claims worth more than $1m, PUNCH reports.

The department’s Office of Inspector General unveiled the list on Wednesday, naming 16 fugitives wanted over alleged fraud, identity theft, money laundering and labour trafficking, with cases involving over $55m. Ezewu was charged in January 2021 with 15 counts of concealment money laundering. “Following his arrest and initial appearance, Ezewu violated the conditions of his pre-trial release and an arrest warrant was issued,” the department said. He is believed to be in Nigeria.

Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito said, “Today we are introducing our first-ever Most Wanted List, targeting 16 fraudsters who stole more than $55 million from hardworking American taxpayers.” The department also announced the arrest of another person on the list, Leslie Kaciban, in Hungary. He is now awaiting extradition to the United States.