In a recent federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance case, Yomi Jones Olayeye, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to orchestrating a large-scale conspiracy to defraud U.S. pandemic unemployment relief programs of over $10 million. Olayeye was arrested upon entering the U.S. at JFK airport in August 2024. He now faces serious federal charges of wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft
Between March and July 2020, Olayeye and his alleged co-conspirators targeted multiple pandemic-era assistance programs, including traditional Unemployment Insurance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC). By allegedly purchasing stolen personal data from online criminal marketplaces, they fraudulently submitted claims across multiple states and funneled funds into U.S. bank and prepaid accounts. The alleged group of co-conspirators then used the proceeds to purchase bitcoin, masking their international ties by routing internet traffic through U.S.-based IP addresses assigned to computers located in the US.
The alleged group of co-conspirators applied for over $10 million in fraudulent benefits, and succeeded in collecting more than $1.5 million from Massachusetts, Hawaii, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Montana, Maine, Ohio and Washington before authorities apprehended them.
The charges of wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, forfeiture and restitution. Aggravated identity theft is a serious charge with a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison that must be served consecutively to other charges.
Facing Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Charges? Contact an Experienced Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud Attorney to Defend Your Rights
If you’ve been accused of fraud tied to pandemic relief funds, the legal consequences are severe, and prosecutors are not taking it lightly. Complex investigations, aggressive sentencing guidelines, and multi-agency task forces mean that you need an experienced, hard-hitting defense team in your corner to fight for your rights.
An experienced white collar criminal defense attorney can navigate the intricacies of federal law, protect your rights, and build a strategic defense to reduce or even dismiss charges. Don’t leave your future to chance. If you have been targeting in a federal investigation or you’re about to be charged, consult the award-winning unemployment assistance fraud defense team at Dhar Law, LLP at 617-880-6155 .
