The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, popularly known as “Bobo Chicago” and “Bola Flexx,” for allegedly orchestrating a business email compromise scheme that defrauded companies and individuals of $2.8 million in the U.S.

The 25-year-old was taken into custody on November 20 in Chicago, Illinois, based on an arrest warrant issued in Oklahoma. His arrest follows multiple criminal complaints and a detailed investigation that flagged his activities as fraudulent and highly organised.

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Bobo Chicago reportedly targeted Nigerians living in the Houston metropolitan area before relocating to Chicago to evade detection. After his arrest, he was transferred to Oklahoma, where the alleged crimes were committed. Federal prosecutors have charged him with five criminal offences: wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. These offences are believed to have been committed between June 2023 and October 2023.

Bobo Chicago allegedly hacked individual and companies accounts

According to investigators, Bobo Chicago and his co-conspirator hacked into the accounts of numerous companies and individuals within the Eastern District of Oklahoma to execute the fraud. Using a combination of phishing emails and other hacking techniques, he allegedly manipulated his victims into transferring funds to accounts he controlled. Of the stolen $2.8 million, over $300,000 was reportedly spent at a well-known liquor store, raising suspicions about the store owner’s potential involvement in the scheme.

Judge Beth Jantz of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois approved the transfer of Bobo Chicago to Oklahoma, where he will face prosecution. During his initial court appearance, he claimed to have no financial resources to hire a defence attorney and was subsequently assigned a public defender. This has fuelled speculation that he might be more interested in serving the sentence rather than contest the charges.

Law enforcement agents have also detained Bobo Chicago’s alleged co-conspirator, who remains in custody. Authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the scheme and are working to recover the stolen funds.

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The arrest of Bobo Chicago adds to a growing list of Nigerians implicated in high-profile fraud cases in the United States. Other notorious figures include Hushpuppi and Mr Woodberry, who are serving lengthy prison sentences at Fort Dix correctional facility in New Jersey for similar crimes involving millions of dollars. These cases underscore the increasing sophistication of online fraud and the FBI’s ongoing efforts to crack down on cybercriminals operating within U.S. jurisdiction.

The FBI has reiterated their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable, emphasising that business email compromise schemes pose significant threats to companies and individuals alike.