The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced the indictment of Farouk Adekunle Adepoju, a Nigerian national residing in the United Kingdom, on charges of wire fraud and computer fraud.
Adepoju was arrested by British authorities on September 15, 2025, following a US extradition request. He faces a seven-count indictment in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
According to prosecutors, Adepoju allegedly hacked into the email system of a Pennsylvania construction company contracted by a university, created a spoofed domain, and sent fraudulent payment instructions. The university, relying on the false emails, transferred $235,266 to an account controlled by him. The funds remain unrecovered.
Acting US Attorney Troy Rivetti stated:
“Adepoju is charged with using sophisticated cyber means to illegally access accounts in order to victimize one of our universities. His arrest in the United Kingdom underscores our commitment to prosecute cybercriminals worldwide.”
FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek added:
“Criminals who think they can reach across the globe into the United States to line their pockets need to know one thing: the FBI and our partners will find you and bring you to justice.”
Adepoju faces six counts of wire fraud (each punishable by up to 20 years in prison) and one count of computer fraud (up to 5 years).
The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office led the investigation, with prosecution by Assistant US Attorney Mark V. Gurzo and support from the DoJ’s Office of International Affairs.
Meanwhile, Nigerian anti-graft authorities, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are reported to be closely monitoring the case. Officials said cooperation with international partners like the FBI has become crucial, given the global dimension of cyber-enabled fraud.
Authorities stress that an indictment is only an allegation, and Adepoju is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
ENDS
