Agents of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation have exposed a web of fraud connecting suspected Nigerian scammer Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, alias Bobo Chicago, to African Shrine, a nightclub in Las Vegas.
The discovery consequently led the Nevada state government to revoke the club’s licence and ban its owner Wale Ogundana from engaging in nightlife and entertainment-related businesses
Read also: Hackers stole $17 million from Bank of Uganda, incident under investigation
FBI traces Bobo Chicago’s $2.8 million in stolen funds
The FBI arrested Bobo Chicago, 25, in Illinois on November 20. Investigators, using advanced financial tracking tools, uncovered a $394,000 wire transfer from the alleged fraudster to the African Shrine. This discovery prompted Nevada authorities to revoke Mr Ogundana’s nightclub licence and ban him from operating in any entertainment-related businesses.
The fraud, which spanned from June to October 2023, involved hacking into email accounts of individuals and corporations to siphon funds into fraudulent accounts. So far, $2.8 million has been traced to these schemes, with the African Shrine receiving a portion of the stolen money.
Nightclub licence revoked
In response to the findings, Nevada officials revoked Mr Ogundana’s licence to operate the African Shrine. The move delivers a major financial blow to the nightclub owner in a city where nightlife is a key economic driver. Mr Ogundana has yet to issue a public statement on his potential involvement in the fraud or his knowledge of the illicit funds.
Bobo Chicago faces fraud charges
After his arrest in Illinois, Bobo Chicago was transferred to Oklahoma, where the alleged crimes were committed. He now faces a five-count charge of fraud and claims he cannot afford private legal representation, relying instead on a state-appointed public defender.
The FBI’s sophisticated financial forensics and digital tracking tools played a crucial role in uncovering the fraud network. By following online transfers and analysing transaction patterns, agents were able to link the stolen funds to Bobo Chicago’s accomplices and the African Shrine. Investigators are continuing to probe Mr Ogundana’s activities in Las Vegas to determine his level of involvement.
Read also: EFCC freezes #548.6 million linked to crypto platforms ByBit and KuCoin
A broader pattern of cybercrime
This case is the latest in a series of fraud schemes linked to Nigerian nationals in the United States. High-profile scammers such as Ramon Abbas, known as Hushpuppi, and his associate Mr Woodberry are currently serving prison terms for similar crimes.
The FBI remains committed to dismantling fraud networks and leveraging advanced technology to track stolen funds and bring perpetrators to justice. This case underscores the power of digital evidence in exposing hidden connections and holding those involved accountable.