Trump Inauguration Fund: FBI Cracks Down on Lagos Man Suspected of Carrying Out ₦460m in Crypto Scam
- The FBI has uncovered a $250,300 (₦460 million) crypto scam by a suspected Nigerian fraudster who impersonated a Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee official
- The scammer used a fake email with a subtly altered domain to deceive donors into sending funds; the FBI traced and recovered $40,300 through blockchain analysis
- US authorities warn of rising impersonation scams and urge the public to verify digital transactions carefully to avoid falling victim
CHECK OUT: How to Start Earning with Copywriting in Just 7 Days – Even if You’re a Complete Beginner
Washington, DC, US - The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has uncovered a cryptocurrency scam allegedly perpetrated by a Nigerian fraudster Ehiremen Aigbokhan that targeted political donors intending to support the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee in the United States.
The scam involved a Business Email Compromise (BEC) operation that resulted in the theft of $250,300 (approximately ₦460 million).
Source: UGC
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro revealed that part of the stolen funds, $40,300, was successfully traced and recovered through blockchain analysis.
As contained in a document by the US Attorney's office, the funds, originally intended as a political donation, had been laundered through a series of crypto wallets after being diverted by the suspect using a fake email address.
Fake identity used to impersonate Trump committee official
According to the US Attorney’s Office, the fraud was executed on December 24, 2024, when the victims received an email purporting to be from Steve Witkoff, the Co-Chair of the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee.
The deceptive email appeared authentic, but closer inspection revealed that the domain name had been subtly altered, replacing an uppercase “I” with a lowercase “L.”
The scammer, believed to be based in Lagos, Nigeria, instructed the victims to transfer the funds to a crypto wallet ending in 58c52.
Believing the message to be genuine, the victims transferred 250,300 USDT (a stablecoin) to the wallet on December 26, 2024, as reported by Independent.
Funds laundered within hours; FBI tracks partial recovery
Within just two hours, the stolen cryptocurrency was moved across several wallet addresses in an attempt to hide its origin.
However, using sophisticated blockchain analysis, the FBI was able to recover a portion of the funds, amounting to $40,300.
Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasised the importance of verifying donation channels before sending digital currency.
“All donors should double and triple check that they are sending cryptocurrency to their intended recipient,” she said.
She added:
“It can be extremely difficult for law enforcement to recoup lost funds due to the complex nature of blockchain technology.”
FBI warns public about rising crypto impersonation scams
Source: Getty Images
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen described the case as a stark reminder of the growing threat of impersonation scams, which cost Americans billions each year.
He urged individuals and organisations to scrutinise email addresses, website URLs, and suspicious messages.
EFCC arrests 74 suspected internet fraudsters in top Abuja hotel
Previously, Legit.ng reported that no fewer than 74 suspected internet fraudsters have been arrested in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) operatives arrested the suspects on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Joyous Hotel in the Nyanya area of the FCT.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
Source: Legit.ng
