Nigerian Chukwuemeka Amachukwu Sentenced for Fraud Schemes

Chukwuemeka Amachukwu, also known as Chukwuemeka Victor Eletuo and So Kwan Leung, was sentenced to eight years in prison by US District Judge Paul G. Gardephe for his involvement in hacking, identity theft, and fraud schemes. The sentencing was announced by the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Amachukwu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit computer intrusions and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Alongside co-conspirator Kingsley Uchelue Utulu, he began hacking US tax preparation businesses in 2019, using spear-phishing emails to access their systems.

They stole personal information from approximately 800 customers and sought refunds totaling at least $8.4 million, successfully obtaining at least $2.5 million. Additionally, they fraudulently applied for $819,000 through the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.

Amachukwu also deceived US victims into investing in non-existent standby letters of credit, obtaining over $7 million. He was ordered to pay $3,647,629.39 in restitution and forfeit $10,846,634.39.