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Three Nigerian men were sentenced to federal prison in Indianapolis for stealing $520,910 in unemployment benefits through a COVID-19 fraud scheme.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on August 18, 2025.Kamaldeen Karaole, 24, of Indianapolis, was convicted of aggravated identity theft, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, and access device fraud, receiving 4 years and 3 months in prison with 2 years of supervised release.
Stephen Olamigoke, 23, from Nigeria, faced charges of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and access device fraud, sentenced to 2.5 years in prison with 2 years of supervised release; he faces deportation upon release.
Johnson Omodusonu, 24, of Indianapolis, also convicted of conspiracy to commit access device fraud and access device fraud, was sentenced to 2 years in prison with 2 years of supervised release. Each was ordered to pay $520,910 in restitution.
From August to October 2020, the trio stole 168 unemployment insurance debit cards issued by California, Arizona, and Nevada, using stolen personal information to file false claims.
They withdrew $520,910 through 529 ATM transactions in Indianapolis, funds meant for workers unemployed during the pandemic under programs like Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, and Lost Wages Assistance.
“Stealing benefits intended to help people survive a historic crisis is both heartless and criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler.
“These defendants exploited a critical support system, and their accountability reflects the diligent work of our federal partners and prosecutor.”
Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge at the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, emphasized their commitment to protecting unemployment programs, thanking the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their collaboration.
Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service noted that such crimes undermine public resources and the integrity of the U.S. Mail, praising the joint federal efforts.
“These defendants shamelessly profited from a national crisis, taking money meant for struggling families,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley.
“The FBI and our partners remain dedicated to combating fraud in government relief programs.”
The FBI, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon imposed the sentences, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller prosecuting.
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Source: NigerianEye | Read Full Story…
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