"Yahoo Boys" are romance scammers who took their name from the first free email available in Nigeria. Ramon Abbas could face up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to money laundering in July 2021. By Helen Clifton & Princess Abumere. A Nigerian man accused of multimillion-dollar fraud and money laundering by the United States was kidnapped by the FBI from Dubai, his lawyer says. BEC fraud is a huge issue across the world. Most populous nation: Should India rejoice or panic? BBC's detailed report on Hushpuppi - the Instagram influencer "[36] Creating these phrases is essential linguistic maneuvering, enabling a sharp comparison of the similarities between Hushpuppi, a fraudster, popularly known as an offender, and a prominent authority representative, uncritically seen as a law-abiding citizen. S2.3 Hushpuppi A social media influencer is laundering cash for the hackers to fund his luxury lifestyle 39 mins 27 Mar 2023 S2.2 Big Boss The hackers turn to the dark web. [31], In a final appeal to Judge Otis Wright ahead of his scheduled sentencing on 19 September 2022, Hushpuppi wrote a personal letter to the court narrating his source of wealth, criminal adventure and regrets. He has spent his life in the UAE. Mr Abbas' lawyer Gal Pissetzky told the BBC that his client, who posts on Instagram about his extravagant lifestyle, was not a criminal and had made his money legitimately. This is when his Instagram posts and crimes went to another level. Abbas, under the name Ray Hushpuppi, had more than 2 million Instagram followers before he was arrested in 2020 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Sign up for a FREE NewsNow account and get our email alert of the day's top stories from the UK and around the world. Detectives seized more than 150 million dirham (about $40 million) in cash, 13 luxury cars worth Dh 25 million ($7M), 21 laptops, 47 smartphones, 15 memory storage devices, five external hard drives and 800,000 emails of potential victims alongside suitcases full of cash. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser. Heliyon, 8(11), e11142. They then appeared in a Chicago court on 3 July. Is climate change killing Australian wine? Ramon Abbas also known as Ray Hushpuppi faces 20 years in prison after he was arrested with a staggering 29 million of cash and 13 luxury cars. BBC We will not share your email address with any third parties. By clicking "OK" or continuing to use this site, you agree that we may collect and use your personal data and set The scams were to be carried out via Business Email Compromise (BEC). We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. The bank said it managed to recover 10m euros. Local driver Seye told the BBC that he remembered Abbas as a young boy working alongside his mother in the Olojojo market. On Instagram, he dropped the Billionaire Gucci Master moniker for Real Estate Developer about eight months before his arrest and subsequent transfer to the US to stand trial. The BBC has used newly available court documents to uncover the man behind cyber heists that have cost his victims millions, from his humble beginnings as a "Yahoo Boy" hustler in Nigeria to a so-called "Billionaire Gucci Master" living a life of luxury in Dubai before his arrest last year. S2.3 Hushpuppi. In February 2019, he attempted to launder 13m euros (11m; $15m) stolen by a gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta. Mr Almazar says shame prevents many more of Hushpuppi's victims coming forward. But soon, the cracks between the gang started to show. Abbass final big scam before his arrest in Dubai in June 2020 was straight-up identity theft, borrowed from the Yahoo Boy romance scams of his youth. Sorry, no headlines or news topics were found. "They came up with the idea of stealing identities. Subscribe to our email alert of the day's top stories from the UK and around the world. April 26, 2023 Hushpuppi: Notorious Nigerian fraudster jailed for 11 years in US BBCView Full coverage on Google News Sources 1/ by newsdesk. Some of it was laundered via the purchase of a watch worth a staggering $230,000. It was to receive 100m from a Premier League Football Club, and 200m from a UK firm. hushpuppi The reply shows the next heist was being planned: "Next one is in few weeks; will let you know when it's ready. Abigail Mamo, chief executive of the Maltese chamber of small and medium enterprises, says the heist plunged the holiday island into "chaos". They keep finding out.. And then with that identity theft, they went into dating [scams]," explains Dr Adedeji Oyenuga, a cybercrime expert at Lagos State University. A fact known all too well by Dubai-based lawyer Barney Almazar. Despite him pleading guilty in April to money laundering, Hushpuppi's social media is still live and attracting followers. I've never heard of anything like that. We will not share your email address with any third parties. No comments. I want to spend money to send this boy to jail, let him go for a very long time.. Di charges compromise, frauds and oda scams wey include plans wey target one U.S law firm, one foreign bank and one English Premier League Soccer club. But if you look at the bank accounts that police have traced, they all belong to the records obtained by the police in their raids [on Hushpuppis home in Dubai].. The BBC has used newly available court documents to uncover the man behind cyber heists that have cost his victims millions, from his humble beginnings as a Yahoo Boy hustler in Nigeria to a so-called Billionaire Gucci Master living a life of luxury in Dubai before his arrest last year. Hushpuppi News | Latest News About Hushpuppi on Naija News Don't miss out! "Mr Ponle, are you there?" charges Instagram celebrity Ray Hushpuppi in 40 mins; BBC News, Pidgin. They see another young person who was once like them become that great. "His clients understand that he was victimised," Mr Almazar explains. He texted his contact Nigerian police officer Abba Kyari saying: I want him to go through serious beating of his life. A fact known all too well by Dubai-based lawyer Barney Almazar. The bank said it managed to recover 10m euros. ", Seye says everyone knows Hushpuppi has committed a crime, but it is understandable: "No-one prays to be poor. Fall of an International Fraudster Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, he attempted to launder 13m euros (11m; $15m) stolen by a gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta, pleading guilty in April to money laundering, The Nigerian super sleuth wanted in the US, Flashy Nigerian Instagrammers 'caught with $40m in cash', Why Nigerian cyber fraudsters are 'role models', Serena Williams announces pregnancy at Met Gala, Corpse found under Tibet hotel bed leads to probe, New record as 4.56m Indians take flights in a day, Shooting suspect was deported four times - US media, Met Gala 2023: Stars celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, Japan to ban upskirting in stronger sex crime laws, BP profits of 4bn in three months spark criticism. "[12], Many news platforms have reported that Abbas was once a second-hand clothes seller in Lagos. VideoOn board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, I didnt think make-up was made for black girls, Why there is serious money in kitchen fumes. BBC He is facing charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He apologised to his family members for bringing them shame while commending the FBI for doing a thorough job while bringing him to justice. cookies to improve your experience and customise advertising. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. "They came up with the idea of stealing identities. This Instagram post cannot be displayed in your browser. "He is a social media influencer with millions of followers, with millions of people that respect and loved him, and he loved them, and that's what he did. It stated that Hushpuppi risks 20 years imprisonment; a 3-year period of supervised release; a fine of $500,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss resulting from the offence. The bank did not respond to a request for comment. He has previously denied having any criminal involvement with Abbas and has not responded to the BBCs requests for comment. But soon, the cracks between the gang started to show. Hushpuppi, for charges bordering on Business Email Compromise (BEC) and money laundering. Advantageous comparison: using Twitter responses to understand similarities between cybercriminals (Yahoo Boys) and politicians (Yahoo men). Available for over a year Like many Yahoo Boys, Abbas broadened his criminal horizons. "Their foreign suppliers did not receive the money We're talking about thousands of euros.". NDLEA said Abba Kyari, who was suspended for his relationship with fraudster Abass Olorunwa, better known as Hushpuppi, is a member of an international drug cartel "With the intelligence at our disposal, the Agency United Arab Emirates security agencies bin arrest Hushpuppi wey dey live for Dubai for June 2020. [36] The study argues that this type of linguistic manipulation voiced as public opinion on Twitter denies the sufferings of victims of online fraud. He texted his contact - Nigerian police officer Abba Kyari - saying: "I want him to go through serious beating of his life. 13.The story of Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, a popular Instagram influencer from Nigeria who became "one of the most prolific money launderers in the world," according to the FBI. Insurance Penetration: CIIG moves to deepen awareness on policy purchase, May Day Celebration: Workers in Nkwanta rally to demand better labor conditions -Adom TV News, Access to Electricity: 12 border communities at Chereponi are connected to the national grid - Adom. [20][21] According to the affidavit Abbas had provided a co-conspirator with two bank accounts in Europe anticipating the receipt of $5.6 million each of the fraudulently obtained funds. According to the FBI, in 2020 BEC fraud resulted in losses of $1.8bn. grassroots elite basketball ; why does ted lasso have a southern accent . ; Hushpuppi - Wikipedia Jon Shilland, fraud lead with the UK's National Crime Agency, says it can be difficult tracking down criminal networks based in multiple jurisdictions. One UK victim, who wanted to remain anonymous, says he lost 500,000, has been forced to leave the UAE - and is himself facing criminal proceedings in Dubai because of the debt he has incurred as a result of the fraud. Hushpuppi alleges bribing DCP Abba [2], Until his arrest by the Dubai Police in June 2020 and subsequent extradition to the United States,[3][4][5][6] Abbas posted pictures and videos of his lavish spending on exotic cars, watches, designer clothes, bags from expensive brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Louis Vuitton and of himself boarding helicopters, with celebrities, footballers, and Nigerian politicians or while on charter jets. Only a single letter or number will be different. It is alleged that Mr Kyari then falsely arrested and detained the middleman for a month in a squalid Nigerian cell. [33] On 8 November 2022, Hushpuppi was sentenced to over 11 years (135 months) in a federal prison. Di social media influencer don dey detention for almost two years now. One member threatened to blow the whole scam wide open as he was unhappy about the money he was getting. The accounts clerk is fooled into thinking it is a legitimate request from the supplier - and, with a single click of a mouse, vast sums of money are lost. BEC fraud is a huge issue across the world. Just days after we put the same question to Snapchat, which deleted Hushpuppis account. April 26, 2023 Hushpuppi: Notorious Nigerian fraudster jailed for 11 years in US BBCView Full coverage on Google News Sources 1/ by newsdesk. TittlePress 0. The scam was very sophisticated. Damn, Abbas said in a text to a fellow scammer at the time in messages obtained by the FBI. In February 2019,he attempted to launder 13m euros (11m; $15m) stolen by a gang of North Korean hackers from the Maltese Bank of Valletta. Hushpuppi [30] The Police chief was further implicated after his conversation with Hushpuppi was released. "This case targets a key player in a large, transnational conspiracy who was living an opulent lifestyle in another country while allegedly providing safe havens for stolen money around the world," United States Attorney Nick Hanna said in a statement when the charges were announced. Abigail Mamo, chief executive of the Maltese chamber of small and medium enterprises, says the heist plunged the holiday island into "chaos". His father was a taxi driver. Dr Oyenuga says Hushpuppi's influence endures as he is still regarded as a role model: "We're in a country where a lot of young people are suffering. A lawyer for Hushpuppi (pictured) says the US had no authority to transport him from Dubai. In a statement about Mr Abbas' initial court appearance, the DoJ said "FBI special agents earlier this week obtained custody of Abbas and brought him to the United States" without giving any further details. But everyone knew the source of his mysterious wealth cybercrime; he was a Yahoo, Seye says. Lazarus, S., Button, M., & Adogame, A. [3] If convicted of conspiracy to engage in money laundering, Abbas would face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, perhaps even 20 years, after which he will be deported to his home country Nigeria. How Hushpuppi bribed Abba Kyari, the full text of their conversation "I really don't have any comment right now, I have to learn the facts about this case," he told the BBC. The Latest. Abbas's final big scam before his arrest in Dubai in June 2020 was straight-up identity theft, borrowed from the Yahoo Boy romance scams of his youth. "Damn," Abbas said in a text to a fellow scammer at the time in messages obtained by the FBI. His lawyer Michael B Nash told the judge at a detention hearing on Thursday that he had not had a chance to speak to his client. Abba Kyari, who has a reputation in Nigeria as a "super cop", has been suspended and is wanted in the US, I have seen parents who have taken their children to learn how to become Yahoo Boys", On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. "I have seen parents who have taken their children to learn how to become Yahoo Boys. We are sorry, but the email address you entered does not appear to be valid. That is the real story here.". Mr Pissetzky admits that he is not "100% familiar" with social media and his children consider him too old but he knows "that's how people make money today". NewsNow: Hushpuppi news | Breaking News & Search The bank said it managed to recover 10m euros. [36] The study concludes that the process by which some actions are interpreted as a crime compared to others is a moral enterprise. We live in a world that loves youth and beauty and is afraid of Hushpuppi Once a relationship is established via a false identity, romance scammers wheedle money from their online lovers. Read about our approach to external linking. Lazarus, S., & Button, M. (2022). Exclusive: Woodberry, Hushpuppis ally, pleads guilty to fraud, Hushpuppis ally, Woodberry pleads guilty to fraud charge in US, Hushpuppis ally, Woodberry, pleads guilty to internet fraud, forfeits $8m, others, Hushpuppis close ally Woodberry pleads guilty, forfeits $8m, luxury Dubai assets, Posh Dubai assets Hushpuppis ally, Woodberry, is to forfeit to US govt, Hushpuppis colleague Woodberry pleads guilty to internet fraud, to forfeit Dubai assets, return $8m to victims. By clicking 'Create Account and Subscribe' you agree to us creating an account for you and subscribing you to our newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Legal Notice.Emails, which may be sent daily or less frequently, may include marketing elements. In that email the scammers - posing as a supplier awaiting payment - typically say they've switched banks, so the payment will need to be wired to a different account; the details for which they will provide. Read about our approach to external linking. File on 4 & BBC Africa Ramon Abbas - known to his 2.5 million Instagram followers as Hushpuppi - is considered by the FBI to be one of the world's most high We don't have an account for this email address. Tori bin dey circulate for local media say di Instagram celebrity bin receive fresh charges. I have seen parents who have taken their children to learn how to become Yahoo Boys., Seye says everyone knows Hushpuppi has committed a crime, but it is understandable: No-one prays to be poor. But the Dubai police said in a Facebook post that the FBI director had thanked them for extraditing the two men. The Judge had initially rejected the plea of the defendant's motion for a delay of judgement. Between December 2019 and February 2020, Abbas and a gang of alleged middlemen in Kenya, Nigeria and the US groomed and conned the victim out of more than a million dollars. A spokesman for the US As he grew older, Seye says, Abbas liked to splash his cash: "He was generous. Mr Ponle, 29, ran the "Mr Woodberry" Instagram account but the FBI says he used the alias "Mark Kain" in emails. Hushpuppi is facing criminal charges in the United States for conspiracy to launder money obtained from business email compromise frauds and other scams, including schemes that defrauded a US law firm of about $40 million, illegally transferred $14.7 million from a foreign financial institution, and targeted to steal $124 million from an English He used to buy beer for everyone around.. Forgot your password? We cannot say with 100% certainty that Hushpuppi is behind it, Mr Almazar says. Dr Oyenuga says Hushpuppi's influence endures as he is still regarded as a role model: "We're in a country where a lot of young people are suffering. In February 2019, $14.7 million was transferred out of the bank through false international transactions to accounts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Czech Republic, and Hong Kong. By clicking 'Sign in and Subscribe' you agree to us subscribing you to our newsletter in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Legal Notice.Emails, which may be sent daily or less frequently, may include marketing elements. The rise and fall of Hushpuppi the social media influencer and global money-launderer. To view this content choose accept and continue. The affidavit claims that Mr Abbas conspired to launder $14.7m (11.7m) stolen in a cyber-heist from a foreign financial institution in February 2019. Hushpuppi: the Instagram influencer and international Video, On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry, statement about Mr Abbas' initial court appearance, Africa Live: The latest from the continent, Flashy Nigerian Instagrammers 'caught with $40m in cash', Dubai police said they recovered $40m (32m) in cash, 13 luxury cars worth $6.8m, 21 computers, 47 smartphones and the addresses of nearly two million alleged victims, Serena Williams announces pregnancy at Met Gala, Corpse found under Tibet hotel bed leads to probe, New record as 4.56m Indians take flights in a day, Shooting suspect was deported four times - US media, Met Gala 2023: Stars celebrate Karl Lagerfeld, Japan to ban upskirting in stronger sex crime laws, BP profits of 4bn in three months spark criticism. Hushpuppi alleges bribing DCP Abba Kyari to arrest co-fraudster in $1.1m scam By Motunrayo on Thursday, July 29, 2021 Hushpuppi, the embattled Nigerian socialite, alleged that he bribed Abba Kyari, a deputy commissioner of police (DCP), to arrest a co-fraudster, according to US court documents. Many went to Malaysia - and Abbas followed them, ending up in Kuala Lumpur around 2014, then Dubai in 2017. Hushpuppi ", Seye says everyone knows Hushpuppi has committed a crime, but it is understandable: "No-one prays to be poor. [36] By implication, if what was once morally condemnable becomes a source of valuation, it becomes a source of valuation in its consequences in society. "I want to spend money to send this boy to jail, let him go for a very long time.". Available for over a year His family are still in the UAE. The Rise and Fall of an International Fraudster - BBC And then with that identity theft, they went into dating [scams]," explains Dr Adedeji Oyenuga, a cybercrime expert at Lagos State University. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. He was sentenced to nearly 12 years in federal prison and was ordered to pay more than $30 million in restitution. We contacted Instagram to ask why his account was still open. Why Nigerian cyber fraudsters are 'role models', I went to Nigeria to meet the man who scammed me, AI chatbots 'may soon be more intelligent than us', Russia troop deaths hit 20,000 in five months - US, Palestinian hunger striker dies in Israel prison, The 17 most eye-catching looks at the Met Gala, The burden of being cricket legend Tendulkar's son, 'My wife and six children joined Kenya starvation cult', On board the worlds last surviving turntable ferry. "[27], On 28 July 2021, Hushpuppi pleaded guilty to money laundering[28] and also identified a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Nigeria, Abba Kyari, as an accomplice in his $1.1 million scam deal. File on 4's Hush Money: The Rise and Fall of an International Fraudster is available on BBC Sounds. Adele Paramountcy: Chiefs in Oti Region appeal for traditional council as they bury late leader. [7] He claimed to be a real estate developer. He did not speak again. Please try different keywords. The rise and fall of Hushpuppi the social media influencer and global money-launderer. "Afta we don look di document wey dey inside di recent media accounts, di U.S. Attorney Office for Los Angeles, wey file di case against Mr. Abbas, no filed any such document. According to court documents in California, he has cost victims 17m in total. "Their foreign suppliers did not receive the money We're talking about thousands of euros.".
Top 5 Natural Resources In Illinois, Articles H