In an operation to crack down on international fraud schemes targeting U.S. unemployment benefits, Yomi Jones Olayeye, 40, a Nigerian national, also known as “Sabbie,” was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport on August 13, 2024.
Olayeye faces charges of conspiracy, wire fraud and identity theft in connection with a sophisticated scam that allegedly defrauded the United States of at least $10 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits.
The arrest is part of a broader effort by the U.S. Department of Justice, led by COVID-19 Anti-Fraud Enforcement Task Forceto combat a surge in fraudulent activity during the pandemic. Olayeye’s scheme involved defrauding unemployment insurance programs across several states, including Massachusetts, where the case was primarily filed.
Olayeye and his co-conspirators allegedly targeted three key unemployment assistance programs: Unemployment insurance (User Interface), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). They reportedly purchased personally identifiable information (PII) from criminal forums, which they used to file fraudulent claims. The stolen data allowed them to open bank accounts and prepaid debit cards to receive benefits. The scammers rented US-based IP addresses to mask their activities, hiding their Nigerian origins. While the scheme targeted $10 million, more than $1.5 million was successfully siphoned off through these fraudulent claims.
If convicted, Olayeye could face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and additional penalties for identity theft, including a mandatory two-year prison sentence. The case also involves potential fines, forfeitures and restitution, reflecting the serious nature of the charges and their impact on the U.S. economy.
