A Nigerian national, Stephen Olamigoke, has been sentenced to two and a half years in a U.S. federal prison for his involvement in a COVID-19 unemployment benefits fraud scheme that defrauded various state and federal programmes of $520,910.

The sentencing, handed down by U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon, also includes two years of supervised release, and Olamigoke faces removal from the United States upon completion of his sentence.

According to court documents, Olamigoke, alongside two Indianapolis residents, Kamaldeen Karaole and Johnson Omodusonu, who are also Nigerians stole 168 unemployment insurance debit cards and their associated PINs between August and October 2020.

The cards, issued by California, Arizona, and Nevada, were in the names of other individuals, and the defendants used them to withdraw cash from ATMs in Indianapolis.

In total, the trio completed 529 withdrawals, siphoning $520,910 intended to support unemployed Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Tom Wheeler, condemned the scheme, saying, “Stealing unemployment benefits meant to help people survive during one of the worst crises in modern history is both heartless and criminal. These defendants exploited a system designed to support those in genuine need, and now they are being held accountable for their greed thanks to the diligent work of our federal partners and prosecutors.”

Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Great Lakes Region, highlighted the role of federal oversight in protecting public funds, stating, “We are committed to relentlessly protecting the integrity of this vital benefit program from those seeking to unlawfully enrich themselves at the expense of American workers.”

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the FBI also participated in the investigation. Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George noted, “Crimes like this not only deprive real people of critical aid, but also threaten the integrity of the U.S. Mail… This case is an outstanding example of collaborative efforts between federal agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley added, “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain unwavering in our commitment to hold accountable anyone who exploits government relief programs and to safeguard public funds from fraud.”

Karaole, 24, received four years and three months in prison with two years of supervised release, while Omodusonu, 24, was sentenced to two years in prison with two years of supervised release.

Each defendant was ordered to repay the full $520,910 stolen from the unemployment programs.