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Press Release

Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering for Role in Internet-Based Fraud Schemes

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Delaware

WILMINGTON, Del. – David C. Weiss, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that an Illinois man pleaded guilty Friday, October 1, 2021 to conspiring with others to launder, or attempting to launder, between $550,000 and $1,500,000 from internet-based fraud schemes.  Chief Judge Colm F. Connolly accepted the plea.

According to court documents, Daniel Oluwatoki Kuye, 22, received funds from businesses and individuals victimized through internet-based fraud schemes, including business email compromises and romance fraud.  Kuye’s co-conspirators defrauded businesses and individuals over the internet and then instructed those victims to send the fraudulently obtained money to Kuye or to an alias Kuye used to receive the illicit proceeds.  Kuye personally used a portion of the fraud proceeds and distributed the remainder to other co-conspirators.

Kuye pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison when sentenced.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Chief Judge Connolly will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Weiss stated, “Mr. Kuye and his co-conspirators used online scams to steal money from American businesses and to cheat citizens out of their hard-earned savings.  Mr. Kuye actively aided his co-conspirators by using aliases to receive fraudulently obtained proceeds and enriched himself in the process.  My office will continue to prosecute those who participate in internet-based fraud schemes in any capacity.”

“Mr. Kuye admitted to laundering money obtained from various online fraudulent schemes which can be devastating to businesses and individuals who fall prey to them,” said Tomas J. Sobocinski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “He also knowingly engaged in criminal money laundering activities, serving as a Money Mule. Money Mules assist these type of fraud schemes by receiving money from victims and forwarding proceeds to other criminals or even foreign-based perpetrators. This prosecution sends a message to all who are engaged in money mule activity that they will be caught and prosecuted. We also remind the public if you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please report it to the FBI at IC3.gov.”

This case was investigated by FBI-Baltimore Division’s Wilmington Resident Office.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse S. Wenger and Trial Attorneys Mary K. Daly and Alejandra Arias of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware.  Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 20-cr-57-CFC.

Updated October 4, 2021

Topic
Financial Fraud