Two Nigerian nationals have been charged in the United States over their alleged roles in a large-scale fraud scheme targeting the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in which authorities say more than $100 million in fraudulent tax refunds was claimed using stolen identities.
The charges were announced by the United States Department of Justice following the unsealing of indictments on April 15, 2026, in the Northern District of Georgia and the Western District of Texas.
The defendants, identified as Akinade Adedeji Raheem, 43, based in Atlanta, and Abayomi Quadri Eletu, 42, who has ties to both the United Kingdom and Nigeria, are accused of orchestrating a sophisticated conspiracy involving mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.
According to court documents, the two men, alongside other unnamed co-conspirators, allegedly engaged in a multi-year scheme to fraudulently obtain tax refunds by exploiting the identities of taxpayers and accounting professionals.
Investigators allege that between 2018 and 2023, the suspects acquired sensitive personal information—including names, residential addresses, and Social Security numbers—by creating fraudulent online accounts with the IRS and accessing confidential taxpayer data.
Armed with this information, the group allegedly filed more than 300 false tax returns, collectively seeking refunds exceeding $100 million. Authorities say the operation was carefully structured to evade detection and maximise financial gains.
A key component of the scheme involved manipulating taxpayer contact details. Prosecutors allege that the defendants changed the official addresses of targeted individuals to locations under their control, ensuring that all correspondence from the IRS was redirected to them instead of the legitimate taxpayers.
In addition, the suspects reportedly submitted change-of-address requests to the United States Postal Service, further ensuring that critical mail, including verification notices, was routed to addresses linked to the conspiracy.
Using the stolen identities, the defendants allegedly filed electronic tax returns claiming refunds that were not legitimately owed. They then instructed the IRS to disburse the funds across multiple prepaid debit cards, a tactic designed to obscure the flow of money and complicate tracking efforts.
Before releasing some of the refunds, the IRS reportedly issued verification letters to confirm the legitimacy of the claims. Prosecutors allege that members of the conspiracy intercepted these communications and, posing as the rightful taxpayers, fraudulently validated the claims, thereby authorising the release of funds.
Authorities further claim that Abayomi Quadri Eletu played a coordinating role in the operation, directing Akinade Adedeji Raheem and others to procure prepaid debit cards for receiving the illicit refunds.
Once the funds were deposited, the group allegedly engaged in a series of transactions to launder the proceeds. This included purchasing money orders from post offices and retail outlets in amounts deliberately kept below reporting thresholds to avoid scrutiny.
Investigators say the laundered funds were then used to acquire various assets, including used vehicles purchased through auction platforms. Some of these vehicles were reportedly shipped to Nigeria. The proceeds were also allegedly spent on luxury items such as designer clothing and other high-value goods.
Eletu was arrested in the United Kingdom at the request of U.S. authorities, reflecting the international scope of the investigation and the level of cooperation between law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.
Both defendants are facing one count each of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition, Eletu has been charged with multiple counts, including five counts of mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, seven counts of access device fraud, and 21 counts of aggravated identity theft.
Raheem, on his part, faces 14 counts of access device fraud and 14 counts of aggravated identity theft.
If convicted, the defendants could face significant prison terms. The conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, while money laundering also attracts up to 20 years. Access device fraud carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, and aggravated identity theft comes with a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years.
The case is being investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, both of which played key roles in uncovering the alleged scheme.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided critical support, particularly in coordinating cross-border aspects of the investigation, including Eletu’s arrest.
U.S. authorities expressed appreciation to the United Kingdom for its cooperation, noting that international collaboration was instrumental in advancing the case.
The prosecution is being led by Senior Litigation Counsel Michael C. Boteler and Trial Attorney Michael Jones of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Tax Section, alongside Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Pearce for the Northern District of Georgia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas also provided substantial assistance.
Officials say the case underscores the growing complexity of financial crimes involving identity theft and the importance of robust international partnerships in tackling transnational fraud networks.
As the legal process unfolds, authorities have reiterated their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and protecting the integrity of the U.S. tax system from abuse.
