The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has uncovered a complex cyber fraud operation allegedly masterminded by a Nigerian national, Ehiremen Aigbokhan, who is accused of diverting over ₦460 million meant for the inauguration ceremony of U.S. President Donald Trump, slated for January 2025.
According to an FBI intelligence briefing, the incident occurred on 26 December 2024, when a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack was executed. The cybercriminals allegedly succeeded in fraudulently transferring 250,300 USDT.ETH—a stablecoin pegged to the U.S. dollar and hosted on the Ethereum blockchain—valued at over ₦400 million at the time of the transaction.
BEC scams, which rely on impersonation and deception to trick victims into transferring funds, are a growing global concern. In this case, investigators say the fraudster impersonated a senior figure involved in the inauguration’s logistical planning to gain access to sensitive communications and financial pathways.
Forensic analysis of blockchain transactions and associated email trails led FBI investigators to Nigeria, with Lagos identified as the primary base of operations. Multiple IP address logs and crypto wallet activity were traced back to Aigbokhan, prompting a coordinated international response.
The FBI has now issued a formal arrest request and confirmed that the suspect will face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and laundering of illicit funds through digital assets.
U.S. authorities have described the breach as “deeply troubling,” noting that it underscores the pressing need for stronger cross-border partnerships to combat the escalating wave of cybercrime originating from West Africa.
As of press time, Nigerian law enforcement agencies are yet to issue an official response to the extradition request or confirm the suspect’s current whereabouts.
