Two Nigerians, Solomon Aluko and Nosakhare Nobore, alongside four others, have been indicted by U.S. authorities for their alleged involvement in a $50 million COVID-19 fraud scheme.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uncovered the fraud, which reportedly involved stealing government-issued checks meant for pandemic relief, tax refunds, and benefits for veterans and the elderly.
According to a statement by the U.S. Department of Justice, the suspects, all based in the United States, face up to 62 years in prison if convicted.
The Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Matthew Podolsky, condemned the alleged fraud, describing it as a blatant exploitation of programs designed to help those in need.
“We allege that the defendants stole tens of millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief and other checks and even used a ‘Fraud Bible’ containing instructions for committing fraud.
This Office will not tolerate such exploitation, and we will hold those responsible to full account,” Podolsky stated.
The six indicted individuals include: Nosakhare Nobore, 29, of Edgewater, New Jersey, Solomon Aluko, 29, of Hackensack, New Jersey, Shan Anand, 34, of Queens, New York, Nicholas Pappas, 28, of Miami, Florida, Leonard Ujkic, 44, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Jorge Gonzalez, 28, of North Bergen, New Jersey
Each defendant faces multiple charges, including wire and bank fraud (30 years), money laundering (20 years), government defraudment (10 years), and aggravated identity theft (2 years).
Court documents revealed that between 2021 and 2025, the suspects allegedly ran a sophisticated check fraud and money laundering network.
They used fake identities and sham businesses to deposit stolen checks, siphoning millions from government programmes meant to assist struggling businesses and vulnerable citizens.
FBI’s Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Leslie R. Backschies, highlighted the large-scale nature of the fraud.
“These six defendants allegedly used sham businesses, stolen, and fake identities to operate a multi-year check fraud scheme, resulting in $50 million in illicit funds being deposited into their accounts,” Backschies said.
Investigators also discovered that the group used a document known as the ‘Fraud Bible’, which provided instructions on various financial crimes, including credit card fraud, ATM fraud, and mobile cash transfer fraud.
Evidence from their communications showed that some defendants openly shared methods on how to manipulate financial systems.
IRS Special Agent in Charge, Harry T. Chavis, Jr., stated that the suspects not only stole funds but also openly boasted about their fraudulent activities.
“This group of suspects openly communicated about their fraud, taking pride in the multiple schemes that stole nearly $50 million from the American public.
“ They lied and cheated a benefits system meant to help struggling businesses, all while stealing checks from agencies who assist the elderly and veterans,” Chavis said.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the case is currently being prosecuted in the Southern District of New York, with authorities vowing to ensure that justice is served.
Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
