US arrests Nigerian who fled FBI investigation in 2019 over alleged money laundering

United States authorities have arrested a 34-year-old Nigerian, Adetunji Abudu, over an alleged money laundering conspiracy involving millions of dollars obtained through fraudulent schemes targeting elderly Americans.

According to Vanguard, Abudu, a Lagos resident, was apprehended at Logan Airport in Boston, Massachusetts, while returning from Istanbul, Turkey.

He allegedly fled to Nigeria in 2019 after FBI agents searched his residence in North Providence.

US prosecutors accused Abudu and five others of laundering proceeds from romance scams, fraudulent sweepstakes, fake rental listings and online shipping fraud.

Investigators alleged that stolen funds were channelled through American bank accounts and businesses before being transferred to Nigeria.

The suspects also allegedly purchased vehicles with fraudulent proceeds and shipped them overseas.

Five co-defendants have pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and received prison sentences ranging from time served to 42 months.

Abudu appeared before a federal court in Rhode Island and was ordered detained pending trial.

Authorities stressed that the allegations remain unproven and Abudu is presumed innocent.