Nigerian Chukwuemeka Amachukwu handed eight-year prison term by US court over hacking, fraud schemes

A United States court has sentenced a 40-year-old Nigerian-born man, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, to eight years in prison for hacking, identity theft and fraud targeting American businesses and individuals.

According to TheCable, Amachukwu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and wire fraud before US District Judge Paul Gardephe.

US Attorney Jamie McDonald said, “Chukwuemeka Amachukwu believed he was operating safely offshore when he targeted his victims, but he has now been held to account and now faces a serious sentence for his crimes.”

Investigators revealed that Amachukwu and his accomplices hacked tax preparation businesses, stealing personal information belonging to approximately 800 customers.

The group allegedly sought $8.4 million in fraudulent tax refunds, successfully obtaining at least $2.5 million.

They also secured $819,000 through fraudulent disaster loan applications and over $7 million through an investment scam.

Amachukwu was additionally ordered to pay $3.65 million in restitution, forfeit $10.85 million and serve one year of supervised release.