FBI Arrests Nigerian Businessman for Defrauding American of $2.5 Million

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Uchenna Charles Nwadavid, a 34-year-old Abuja-based businessman, at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport upon his arrival from London for alleged fraud.

Nwadavid, who is the founder of Nec Bullion Concept, a construction firm, and co-founder of the Nec Bullion Foundation, is accused of masterminding a sophisticated internet fraud scheme that defrauded American citizens of over $2.5 million.

The arrest was made possible by a federal grand jury indictment in Boston in January 2024, which charged Nwadavid with mail fraud and money laundering.

According to U.S. authorities, Nwadavid allegedly orchestrated a romance scam between 2016 and 2019, targeting vulnerable individuals, primarily women, through fake online profiles. He allegedly manipulated a Massachusetts woman, referred to as “Victim 1,” into acting as a money mule, receiving funds from five other victims across the U.S. and transferring them to cryptocurrency accounts controlled by Nwadavid via LocalBitcoins.

This complex scheme allegedly allowed Nwadavid to launder the stolen funds while concealing his involvement. The use of cryptocurrency and online platforms enabled him to operate anonymously and evade detection, making it challenging for authorities to track his activities. However, the FBI’s diligent efforts and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies ultimately led to his arrest and indictment.

Nwadavid made his initial court appearance in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 8, 2025, and remains detained pending transfer to Massachusetts for trial. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including up to 20 years in prison for mail fraud and another 20 years for money laundering, in addition to fines, restitution, and potential deportation. The case highlights the FBI’s commitment to combating transnational cybercrime and bringing perpetrators to justice, regardless of their location or nationality.

The arrest of Nwadavid serves as a warning to other individuals involved in similar schemes that they will be held accountable for their actions.

The FBI’s efforts to disrupt and dismantle these types of operations demonstrate the agency’s dedication to protecting American citizens from financial exploitation and cybercrime. The case also underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crime, as U.S. authorities worked closely with their counterparts in other countries to apprehend Nwadavid.

As the case against Nwadavid proceeds, it is essential to note that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The prosecution will need to present evidence to support the charges, and Nwadavid’s defense team will have the opportunity to present their case. The outcome of the trial will depend on the presentation of evidence and the application of the law.

The implications of this case extend beyond the individual defendant, as it highlights the need for increased awareness and vigilance in the face of online scams and cybercrime. The use of fake online profiles, cryptocurrency, and other tactics by scammers requires individuals to be cautious and skeptical when engaging with others online.

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies will continue to work to educate the public about these types of scams and to develop strategies to prevent and investigate them.