A major cybercrime and tax fraud case involving international actors, computer hacking, and identity theft resulted in the defendant’s conviction on charges of computer fraud, identity theft, tax fraud, and money laundering.
A Nigerian national living in Mexico, who was extradited to the United States, was sentenced in federal court in Boston for his role in a scheme to hack into Massachusetts tax preparation firms’ computer networks and to file fraudulent tax returns.
Investigation and Extradition
According to federal authorities, Matthew A. Akande, a 37-year-old Nigerian national, was extradited to the United States to face charges related to a large-scale tax fraud scheme.
Akande was arrested in October 2024 at Heathrow Airport in London at the request of U.S. authorities. Following international legal proceedings, he was extradited to the United States in March 2025 to face prosecution in federal court in Boston.
Federal Indictment and Charges
In July 2022, a federal grand jury in Boston returned an indictment charging Akande with multiple serious offenses.
The charges included:
- Conspiracy to obtain unauthorized access to protected computers in furtherance of fraud
- Wire fraud
- Unauthorized access to protected computers
- Theft of government money
- Aggravated identity theft
Federal charges like these carry significant potential penalties. In many cases, convictions can result in years in federal prison, large restitution orders, and additional financial penalties.
Phishing and Malware Scheme
Federal prosecutors alleged that the scheme occurred between June 2016 and June 2021, targeting tax preparation firms in Massachusetts.
According to investigators, phishing emails were sent to tax professionals posing as prospective clients seeking tax preparation services. These messages allegedly tricked employees into downloading malicious software known as Remote Access Trojan (RAT) malware, including a program called Warzone RAT.
Once the malware was installed, the attackers gained access to the firms’ computer systems and obtained sensitive client information, including prior tax returns and personally identifiable information (PII).
This data was then used to file fraudulent tax returns seeking refunds in the victims’ names.
Financial Scope of the Fraud Scheme
Federal investigators alleged that Akande and his co-conspirators filed more than 1,000 fraudulent tax returns over a five-year period.
Those filings sought more than $8 million in tax refunds, according to investigators.
Authorities reported that more than $1.3 million in fraudulent refunds were successfully obtained during the scheme.
The funds were allegedly deposited into bank accounts controlled by co-conspirators in the United States and later transferred to others involved in the operation.
Sentencing in Federal Court
Following the investigation and prosecution, Akande was sentenced in federal court in Boston.
A U.S. District Court judge imposed a sentence of eight years in federal prison, three years of supervised release and restitution totaling $1,393,230.
Federal courts often impose restitution orders in fraud cases requiring defendants to repay victims or the government for financial losses.
Federal Cybercrime and Identity Theft Penalties
Cases involving cyber intrusions, tax fraud, and identity theft are aggressively prosecuted at the federal level. Federal agencies such as the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation devote substantial resources to investigating these crimes.
Individuals charged with offenses such as wire fraud, computer fraud, conspiracy, or aggravated identity theft face potentially severe consequences, including:
- Long federal prison sentences
- Mandatory identity theft penalties
- Significant restitution obligations
- Asset forfeiture
- Lasting reputational and financial harm
Because these cases often involve complex digital evidence, financial transactions, and multi-jurisdictional investigations, they can quickly become highly complicated legal matters.
Experienced Legal Representation for Federal Fraud, Cybercrime, and Extradition Matters
Cases like this frequently involve extensive federal investigations, digital forensic evidence, and cooperation between international law enforcement agencies. In some situations, individuals may also face extradition proceedings from foreign countries before being brought to the United States to stand trial.
Anyone under investigation or charged with federal fraud offenses should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who handles complex federal cases and international extradition matters. An experienced attorney can analyze the evidence, protect your legal rights, and develop a defense strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of the case.
Early legal guidance can make a significant difference when facing the high stakes of federal criminal charges. An experienced federal fraud defense lawyer can review the evidence, protect your constitutional rights, and develop a legal strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome in your case. At Dhar Law LLP, our award-winning team will develop a robust, tailored defense to counter the prosecution’s arguments. Contact us to meet with a member of our team to discuss your options.
