An elaborate COVID-era fraud scheme has landed a Nigerian man, Abiola Quadri, in a U.S. federal prison for over a decade.
U.S. authorities say Quadri, a resident of California, exploited stolen identities to collect government benefits meant for struggling Americans during the pandemic. Over time, the scam racked up more than $1.3 million in stolen funds.
Investigators revealed that a significant portion of the money was transferred to Nigeria, where it helped bankroll a sprawling hospitality project, including a hotel, mall, and nightclub.
Quadri’s arrest came at the Los Angeles International Airport in 2024, just as he was preparing to leave the country. An extensive investigation into his digital trail uncovered fraudulent checks worth millions, shell business deals, and evidence tying him to welfare benefit misuse.
He pleaded guilty in court and has since been sentenced to 135 months in prison, along with an order to repay the stolen funds and cover additional fines.
Law enforcement agencies involved in the case, including U.S. Homeland Security and the Postal Inspection Service, have framed the conviction as a win in the fight against pandemic-related financial crimes.
