By Oyindamola Ruth
Convicted international fraudster, Obinwanne Okeke popularly known as Invictus Obi has been jailed for 10 years in prison for cyber fraud.
He was convicted for involvement in a computer-based intrusion fraud scheme that caused approximately $11m in known losses to his victims.
“Through subterfuge and impersonation, Obinwanne Okeke engaged in a multi-year global business email and computer hacking scheme that caused a staggering $11 million in losses to his victims,” said Raj Parekh, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
“Today’s sentence further demonstrates EDVA’s and FBI’s worldwide reach in vigorously pursuing justice on behalf of American victims and others and holding international cybercriminals accountable, no matter where they commit their crimes.” Parekh added.
According to court documents, Obinwanne Okeke, 33, operated a group of companies known as the Invictus Group based in Nigeria and abroad and engaged in a conspiracy to conduct various computer-based frauds.
“The FBI will not allow cyber criminals free reign in the digital world to prey on U.S. companies,”Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office.
“This sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to working with our partners at the Department of Justice and our foreign counterparts to locate cyber criminals across the globe and bring them to the United States to be held accountable.”
Okeke was arrested in August 2019.
In 2018, Okeke pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, earning him a deal with the US government.
He was listed on the Forbes 30 under 30 category for his business exploits and wealth.
“I am passionate about people and strongly believes (sic) in partnerships,” Mr Okeke wrote on LinkedIn.
“I am the founder of Invictus Group and have been extensively involved in sourcing, structuring, implementing and monitoring various private equity investments in African and Australian markets, and I have over 10 years of investment experience.
“I have been recognised by Forbes as one of the 30 entrepreneurs under 30 to watch. The leading publication also featured me on its cover for June 2016.”
