The FBI has requested EFCC’s assistance in tracking down two Nigerian fugitives involved in a $13 million healthcare fraud scheme in the United States.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has called on Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to assist in locating and arresting two Nigerian fugitives, Babatunde Shodiya and Yinka Jamiu.
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Both men are wanted for their involvement in a multimillion-dollar healthcare fraud scheme in the United States. The duo allegedly orchestrated a scam that resulted in $13 million in losses to several U.S. healthcare providers between October 2020 and 2024.
The suspects, indicted by a grand jury in the U.S. District Court of Minnesota on September 25, 2024, are believed to be hiding in Nigeria. American officials have requested the EFCC’s cooperation in tracking them down and bringing them to justice.
A source within the EFCC, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the U.S. request. “We have an obligation to honour the request of our U.S. counterparts as part of our longstanding collaboration to combat cross-border crimes,” the agent stated.
Shodiya and Jamiu reportedly targeted at least four healthcare providers in Minnesota, exploiting a payment system known as Optum Pay.
They created a fake domain, fairviewhospitals.org, and used it to impersonate executives from Fairview Health Services, one of the largest healthcare providers in the state.
By gaining access to employee credentials through phishing emails, the pair manipulated Fairview’s Optum Pay account and redirected payments intended for vendors into fraudulent accounts under their control.
The FBI indictment revealed that the suspects posed as the CEO and executives of Fairview Health, deceiving vendor companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota into transferring large sums of money into their fake accounts.
On July 29, 2020, Blue Cross Blue Shield transferred nearly $8 million to the fraudsters, while other companies also fell victim, transferring millions into the manipulated accounts.
In addition to wire fraud, Shodiya faces aggravated identity theft charges for impersonating Fairview’s CEO and other executives. Both Shodiya and Jamiu stand to forfeit all funds and properties linked to the fraud if convicted.
Should the EFCC successfully apprehend the fugitives, they will be extradited to the U.S. to face trial.
Also read: ‘Over $6 million in losses’ Do you know these Nigerians? FBI’s looking for them (Photos)
This case is part of ongoing international efforts to combat cybercrime and financial fraud that cross borders, ensuring criminals are brought to justice regardless of where they operate.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
