A Nigerian-born United States citizen, Oladapo Olalekan Fadugba, is facing up to 27 years in prison following his indictment for wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and making false statements in connection with obtaining U.S. citizenship.
According to a statement from the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Florida, Fadugba, 40, of Jacksonville, was charged after an investigation revealed that he allegedly diverted more than $690,000 in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funds, which were intended as reimbursements to a large local healthcare provider, into his personal bank accounts between October 2020 and July 2023.
The statement read, "According to the indictment, beginning on October 30, 2020, and ending no later than July 11, 2023, Fadugba had more than $690,000 of Department of Veterans Affairs funds, intended for reimbursement to a large local healthcare provider, transferred to his personal bank accounts.
"Fadugba then wrote cheques to himself or to businesses associated with him, which were subsequently transferred to other bank accounts under his control. It is alleged that he used the identification of another individual to carry out these transfers."
The indictment also accuses Fadugba of making a false declaration under oath during his naturalisation process. He allegedly denied having committed any crimes or offences for which he had not been arrested, despite the ongoing fraudulent activities.
The U.S. government is also seeking an order of forfeiture amounting to $400,000, representing the estimated proceeds of the alleged crimes.
"The indictment further alleges that Fadugba, a naturalised US citizen from Nigeria, made a false statement under oath during his naturalisation proceedings by claiming he had not committed any offence or crime for which he had not been arrested.
"If convicted on all charges, Fadugba faces up to 27 years in federal prison. The indictment also includes a notice that the United States is seeking a forfeiture order of $400,000, which reflects the approximate proceeds of the criminal conduct charged," the statement added.
The U.S. Attorney's Office emphasised that an indictment is merely a formal accusation and that Fadugba is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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