The Federal Bureau of Investigation have alleged that Nigerian fraudster Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, also known as Hushpuppi conspired to defraud an unnamed English Premier League club of £100m (N48bn).
The allegation is contained in an affidavit deposed to by FBI Special Agent, Andre Innocenti, who is assigned to the Los Angeles Filed Office High-tech Organise Crime Squad.
- Hushpuppi, Woodberry extradited to the U.S.
- Suspected fraudster, Hushpuppi, mingled with politicians, entertainers, others
According to the FBI, the suspect is facing charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering among others.
The affidavit read in part, “Abbas and others further conspired to launder hundreds of millions of dollars from other fraudulent schemes and computer intrusions, including one scheme to steal £100 million (approximately $124 million) from an English Premier League soccer club.”
The FBI further stated that should Hushpuppi be convicted, he risks spending 20 years in jail.
“If convicted of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, Abbas would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison,” the FBI said.
Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi was arrested earlier in June along with Olalekan Jacob Ponle, also known as Woodberry and 10 others.
The 12 suspects were arrested in six simultaneous raids carried out by the e-police unit of the Dubai Police.
The gang was responsible for Dh1.6 billion (about N169 billion) fraud involving over 1.9 million victims. Items worth N15.845 billion (Dh 150 million) were also seized.