Six ‘Yahoo-Yahoo Boys’ extradited To U.S. Over Alleged Internet Fraud

Six Nigerian nationals have been extradited from South Africa for their alleged role in Internet scams involving dating websites and work-at-home schemes, the US Department of Justice said on Monday.
A total of 20 defendants are charged in the case, for their alleged involvement in a variety of schemes such as fake online relationships with victims who were asked to ship and receive merchandise purchased with stolen credit cards and banking information.
The six extradited defendants face nine charges in the US state of Mississippi for the alleged activities which began as early as 2001.
The extradited Nigerians are: Oladimeji Seun Ayelotan, 30; Rasaq Aderoju Raheem, 31; Olusegun Seyi Shonekan, 33; Taofeeq Olamilekan Oyelade, 30; Olufemi Obaro Omoraka, 26; and Anuoluwapo Segun Adegbemigun, 39.
The US government said it was seeking extradition from Nigeria of “defendants Kayode Bamidele, Ajayi Oluwaseyi Stephen and Emmanuel Adeniyi Osokomaiya,” noting that “defendants Gabriel Oludare Adeniran and Oduntan Sikiru Lawani remain fugitives.”
“The defendants identified and solicited potential victims through online dating websites and work-at-home opportunities,” the department said in a statement.
They were additionally involved in check scams as well as bank, financial and credit card account fraud. They are charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit identity theft, use of unauthorized account access devices, theft of US government funds and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Three defendants have already been convicted for their roles while six await trial and two remain on the run. The United States is working to extradite three other Nigerians involved in the case.
“To date, defendants Teslim Olarewaju Kiriji, 30; Olutoyin Ogunlade, 41; and Dennis Brian Ladden, 75, have been convicted of offences relating to their roles in the schemes. Defendants Susan Anne Villeneuve, 49; and Genoveva Farfan, 45; Sesan Olumide Farin, 40; Femi Alexander Mewase, 44; Rhulane Fionah Hlungwane, 24; and Adekunle Adefila, 40, are awaiting trial,” the statement added.