Houston, Texas – A 33-year-old Nigerian national, Edikan Adiakpan, has been arrested in the United States for his alleged involvement in a large-scale fraud and money laundering operation that targeted businesses across eight U.S. states, including a medical organization dedicated to the health of American military veterans.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the arrest in a press release on Thursday. Adiakpan is accused of playing a central role in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme, in which cybercriminals sent fake emails posing as trusted vendors to trick organizations into sending payments to fraudulent bank accounts.
Among the victims was a California-based medical research group focused on treatments for U.S. veterans. Investigators say the group was deceived into sending substantial funds to bank accounts under the conspirators’ control, believing they were paying legitimate suppliers.
Sophisticated Money Laundering Strategy
According to the indictment, Adiakpan and his partners in the scheme allegedly laundered the stolen money by transferring funds through a web of accounts. They then converted the money into cashier’s checks, which Adiakpan allegedly cashed himself, keeping a portion as a personal commission.
Adiakpan is now facing three federal charges:
- Conspiracy to commit wire fraud
- Conspiracy to commit money laundering
- Operating an unlicensed money transmitting business
He is expected to appear before Magistrate Judge Peter Bray in Houston for his initial court hearing. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy and laundering charges, and 5 years for the unlicensed money transmitting count. Each offense carries a possible fine of up to $250,000.
Related Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
This case is connected to a broader investigation that had earlier led to charges against another Nigerian national, Ayobami Omoniyi, 26, who has pleaded guilty and is currently awaiting sentencing.
The investigation is being led by the FBI’s Houston Field Office, the Bryan Resident Agency, and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Christine Lu from the Eastern District of Texas.
Official Statement
U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei emphasized that this case reflects the DOJ’s growing effort to clamp down on cyber-enabled financial crimes that undermine institutions and exploit public trust.
“Schemes like these do more than just steal money—they harm essential institutions and, in this case, disrupt services intended for our veterans,” Ganjei stated.
As the legal process unfolds, federal investigators continue their efforts to identify and prosecute other individuals linked to the criminal network.
