Two Nigerian nationals, Nosakhare Nobore and Solomon Aluko, have been arrested in the United States for orchestrating a large-scale fraud scheme that stole $50 million from the U.S. government and its citizens.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) apprehended the suspects in connection with an elaborate scam involving counterfeit checks and stolen identities, which they facilitated through a digital platform known as the ‘Fraud Bible.’
According to an indictment unsealed by Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky for the Southern District of New York, the duo was part of a criminal network that exploited COVID-19 relief programs and laundered stolen funds across multiple cities.
Authorities allege that between 2021 and 2025, Nobore and Aluko, alongside four others, conspired to defraud the U.S. government, banks, and individuals of approximately $80 million.
The group operated an online Telegram channel called ‘2021 Fraud Bible,’ where they shared fraudulent tactics and guided others on how to manipulate the system for financial gain.
Investigators revealed that the suspects specialized in identity theft, using stolen personal information to open fake bank accounts.
With assistance from a bank teller within a major U.S. financial institution, they were able to deposit counterfeit or fraudulently obtained U.S.
Treasury checks, which were linked to COVID-19 relief funds, including Employee Retention Credit (ERC) and Qualified Sick Leave Wages (QSLW) programs.
Officials stated that many of the stolen funds were intended for public assistance during the pandemic but were instead redirected to accounts controlled by the fraudsters.
After depositing the fraudulent checks, they quickly withdrew the money in cash or transferred it to other accounts under their control.
Despite their attempt to steal up to $80 million, the suspects managed to cash out $50 million before their arrest.
If convicted, Nobore and Aluko face severe legal consequences, including up to 30 years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, 20 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering, 10 years for conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government, and a mandatory two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft.
