Amanze Chinonye
A U.S. federal court has sentenced Oluwaseun Adekoya – a man who operated under multiple aliases while running a sprawling nationwide bank-fraud and money-laundering network to 20 years in prison for orchestrating schemes that stole and cleaned more than $2 million through sophisticated impersonation operations, Prime Business Africa reports.
Adekoya, whose operations spanned several states, was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Field Office after the State Employees Federal Credit Union (SEFCU), headquartered in Albany, detected suspicious impersonation transactions across Capital Region branches.
The credit union’s alert triggered a multi-agency probe that ultimately exposed Adekoya as the mastermind behind an extensive criminal enterprise involving at least 13 accomplices.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelFor years, investigators said, Adekoya reinvented himself with new identities, new tactics and new victims a pattern that ended abruptly with his arrest on December 12, 2023, when federal agents executed a search warrant at his luxury apartment.
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Prosecutors told the court that Adekoya attempted to wipe the primary phone used to coordinate the crimes during the raid, but FBI agents still recovered multiple burner phones, luxury items including Rolex watches, a $51,000 Tiffany engagement ring, designer handbags, and more than $26,000 in a laundering account. All seized items have since been forfeited.
Following two superseding indictments that added charges and additional defendants, Adekoya was convicted on multiple counts and has been in custody since his arrest.
According to Prime Business Africa, Beyond the 20-year prison term, he will serve five years of supervised release, pay more than $2.2 million in restitution, and remit a mandatory $1,100 special assessment. He also faces removal from the United States upon completing his sentence.
Network of Accomplices Sentenced
Thirteen co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty to roles in the schemes and received varying sentences:
- David Daniyan, 61, of Brooklyn, sentenced to 54 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and restitution exceeding $2.2 million.
- Kani Bassie, 36, of Brooklyn, received 11 years’ imprisonment and five years’ supervised release; restitution to be determined.
- Davon Hunter, 27, of Richmond, sentenced to 42 months in prison, three years’ supervised release, and $469,499.18 restitution.
- Christian Quivers, 20, of Richmond, received 42 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and $385,650 restitution.
- Jermon Brooks, 20, of Richmond, sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment, two years’ supervised release, and $385,650 restitution.
- Akeem Balogun, 56, of Brooklyn, sentenced to 21 months in prison, two years’ supervised release, and $262,200 restitution.
- Victor Barriera, 64, of the Bronx, sentenced to time served, three years’ supervised release, and $203,352 restitution.
- Danielle Cappetti, 46, of the Bronx, sentenced to time served, three years’ supervised release, and $142,796 restitution.
- Jerjuan Joyner, 50, of Brooklyn, sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and $135,998 restitution.
- Gaysha Kennedy, 46, of Brooklyn, sentenced to time served, two years’ supervised release, and $24,500 restitution.
- Crystal Kurschner, 44, of Brooklyn, sentenced to time served, three years’ supervised release, and $220,850 restitution.
- Sherry Ozmore, 56, of Richmond, sentenced to time served, three years’ supervised release, and $229,303.18 restitution.
- A final codefendant, Lesley Lucchese, 53, of Manhattan, has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing next year.
Federal authorities say the dismantling of Adekoya’s network highlights growing cooperation among law-enforcement agencies nationwide to combat sophisticated identity-theft and financial-fraud operations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
