Nigerian Man Sentenced to 11 Years in U.S. Prison for $1.3m COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

Abiola Femi Quadri, a Nigerian national living in California, has been sentenced to 11 years in prison for a $1.3 million COVID-19 unemployment fraud scheme. Quadri stole identities to file fraudulent unemployment insurance claims during the pandemic, withdrawing funds across California and wiring large amounts overseas.

He used the proceeds to finance luxury real estate projects in Nigeria. Quadri was apprehended at Los Angeles International Airport while attempting to flee to Nigeria.

The investigation also revealed his ownership of a property known as Oyin International in Nigeria.