Two Nigerian men who were serving in the U.S. Air Force have been handed lengthy federal prison sentences after authorities said they participated in a sophisticated cybercrime operation that redirected more than $2.4 million from victims across the United States.
Chijioke Timothy Odimegwu, 25, and Harafat Mogaji, 26, both Delaware residents, were sentenced in Iowa on September 25, 2026, to a combined 189 months — 15 years and nine months — in federal prison. Nigerian media have identified both men as Nigerians.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the scheme operated for nearly two years while the defendants were members of the Air Force. Prosecutors said they used mass-email campaigns and phishing messages to steal usernames and passwords belonging to employees of businesses across the country.
Once email accounts were compromised, the group allegedly used stolen credentials and spoofed email addresses that appeared to belong to legitimate companies or business partners. Victims were then tricked into redirecting legitimate payments into accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy.
One of the largest losses involved an Iowa City victim, whose wire transfer of more than $1.68 million was diverted to an account in Chicago. Authorities said another victim in Ohio was tricked into sending more than $720,000 to an account controlled by the operation.
Investigators also uncovered stolen bank information, PINs, and credit and debit card details. Among those targeted was a nonprofit organization in Pella, Iowa, whose credit card information was compromised, according to prosecutors.
Odimegwu received 111 months in prison and was ordered to pay $366,617.59 in restitution, while Mogaji received 78 months and was ordered to pay $995,680.45. Both will also serve three years of supervised release after completing their prison terms.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, bringing an end to a cyber scheme that targeted businesses and organizations across the country.
