A Nigerian citizen, Christopher Agbaje, has been sentenced to nearly 12 years in a U.S. federal prison after being found guilty of participating in a $200,000 fraud scheme that targeted a North Dakota law firm.
The fraud, which took place between November and December 2020, involved Agbaje posing as a business owner in a legal dispute with a Bismarck company. Along with his accomplices, Agbaje entered into a fake attorney-client relationship with the law firm. The purpose was to deceive the firm into making a substantial financial transfer, which turned out to be based on fraudulent documents.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota, Agbaje and his associates sent a Citibank check worth $198,850 to the firm as part of their fraudulent scheme. The check was deposited into the firm’s bank account. In response to a request from the fake business owner, the law firm then wired $198,336.68 to one of Agbaje’s business partners.
After securing the wire transfer, Agbaje took steps to cover his tracks. He instructed his partner to initiate a fake $180,000 international transfer. This was intended to conceal the origin of the funds and mislead authorities about the money’s location, ownership, and control.
However, law enforcement had already launched a fraud investigation. Upon learning that the authorities were actively pursuing the case, Agbaje advised his partner to “gain leverage,” “press on,” and “claim naivety” in an attempt to escape responsibility.
Despite these efforts to mislead the authorities, the scheme eventually unraveled, and Agbaje’s involvement came to light.
Agbaje was extradited from the United Kingdom to North Dakota in February 2024, where he faced multiple charges related to the fraud. These charges included Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, Money Laundering, Aiding and Abetting Wire Fraud, and Aiding and Abetting Mail Fraud.
While Agbaje was cleared of Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud in May 2024, he was convicted on charges of Money Laundering, Aiding and Abetting Wire Fraud, and Aiding and Abetting Mail Fraud. His conviction led to a sentence of 142 months (nearly 12 years) in prison.
Additionally, Agbaje was ordered to pay restitution amounting to $188,935.74 to the law firm that was defrauded.
Following the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider praised the efforts of law enforcement in bringing Agbaje to justice. He emphasized that the case demonstrates the commitment of the U.S. legal system to hold international fraudsters accountable, even when their crimes cross borders.
“This strong sentence shows that international fraudsters cannot hide from justice,” Schneider said in a statement. “When North Dakotans are the victims of fraud, our prosecutors and law enforcement partners will work internationally to hold defendants accountable in a federal courtroom in Bismarck or Fargo.”
The case highlights the growing threat posed by international fraud schemes, particularly those that exploit digital communication and financial systems to target businesses and individuals across borders.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which played a key role in the investigation, underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating such schemes.
Alvin M. Winston Sr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office, stated that the sentencing of Agbaje is a testament to the FBI’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims of fraud, no matter how complex the scheme or where the perpetrators are located.
“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that no fraud scheme is beyond the reach of justice, no matter its complexity or scope,” Winston said. “Those who engage in fraudulent schemes will be met with swift and decisive action. The FBI will continue to work with partners across the globe to protect the financial security of the American people from those who seek to exploit it.”
The case of Christopher Agbaje is just one example of how sophisticated fraud operations are evolving, with criminals often using fake identities, false documents, and international banking systems to carry out their schemes.
