A Nigerian national, Ehiremen Aigbokhan, has been accused of orchestrating a sophisticated cyber fraud that diverted over N460 million intended for Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration fund.
The alleged fraud occurred on December 26, 2024, through a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack, resulting in the unauthorized transfer of 250,300 USDT.ETH, a dollar-pegged cryptocurrency valued at over N400 million at the time.
The perpetrator allegedly posed as a high-ranking contact involved in the inauguration logistics to manipulate victims into transferring substantial funds.
Following detailed forensic analysis, the FBI traced the source of the emails and blockchain wallet activity to Nigeria, with Lagos emerging as the central location of the illicit operations.
The FBI has initiated a formal request for Aigbokhan’s arrest, and he will face charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and laundering of illicit funds.
U.S. authorities have described the incident as deeply troubling, highlighting the urgent need for stronger international collaboration in addressing cybercrimes emanating from West Africa.