FBI Targets Lagos-Based Fraudster Over Alleged Theft of Trump Inauguration Funds
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an international manhunt for Nigerian national Ehiremen Aigbokhan, a Lagos-based cyber fraudster accused of siphoning over N460 million (approximately $300,000) from a U.S. political donor under the guise of contributing to former President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration fund.
In a civil forfeiture complaint filed by the FBI, investigators revealed that Aigbokhan and a network of co-conspirators orchestrated a sophisticated Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme.
The fraudsters impersonated legitimate fundraising officials linked to the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee a reference to the anticipated re-election of former President Trump and his running mate, Senator J.D. Vance.
The scheme targeted a high-value donor who had pledged substantial support for Trump’s political comeback. Instead, the donor’s funds were diverted into cryptocurrency wallets controlled by Aigbokhan and his associates, according to court filings reviewed by Peoples Gazette.
U.S. authorities say the illicitly obtained funds were swiftly laundered through various channels, including digital wallets, online exchanges, and potentially into assets across multiple countries.
The FBI has since filed for the forfeiture of properties and digital assets tied to the crime and is seeking international cooperation to apprehend the suspect.
Legal documents indicate the fraudulent transactions occurred over a series of meticulously planned email spoofing campaigns, which tricked the donor into believing they were interacting with legitimate Trump campaign staffers.
While President Trump and his campaign team have not publicly commented on the matter, sources familiar with the investigation described the breach as a “deeply embarrassing” incident for high-level GOP donors and a stark reminder of persistent cybersecurity threats in the digital fundraising landscape.
This case adds to a growing list of international cybercrime investigations involving Nigerian nationals and highlights the ongoing global crackdown on crypto-enabled financial crimes. Authorities are urging victims of BEC fraud to come forward and cooperate with investigators.
Aigbokhan, who is believed to be hiding in Nigeria, is now subject to an arrest warrant and possible extradition proceedings, pending coordination between U.S. and Nigerian law enforcement agencies.
