The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Nigerian Oluyomi Bombata, also known as Bobo Chicago, for his alleged role in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme and money laundering activities amounting to $2.8 million.
Reports indicate that the 25-year-old, who previously resided in the Houston metropolitan area, relocated to Chicago before his arrest on November 20, 2024.
His extravagant lifestyle reportedly drew the attention of law enforcement, leading to an investigation into complaints from victims.
According to federal agents, his scheme involved hacking into company and individual email accounts, particularly within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. He allegedly intercepted financial transactions, redirecting funds to fraudulent accounts, reports Peoples Gazette.
One example cited by investigators revealed that over $300,000 of illicitly obtained funds were transferred to a popular liquor store in the US.
Bobo Chicago was arrested in Illinois, Chicago under an arrest warrant issued in Oklahoma, following an extensive FBI investigation. Authorities have also detained one of his alleged accomplices, whose identity has not yet been disclosed.
Judge Beth Jantz of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois signed paperwork for him to be transferred to Oklahoma.
He faces a five-count charge of criminal consequences which the FBI listed as wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering and unlawful monetary transactions allegedly committed between June 2023 and October 2023.
The news platform said Bobo Chicago was assigned a public defender after claiming he had no financial resources to fight the case on his own.
The FBI emphasised its commitment to combatting cybercrimes, especially schemes like BEC fraud, which often target unsuspecting businesses and individuals worldwide.
