Attempt to swindle Thurmond staffer uncovers $60M scheme, docs show
By Freeman Klopott
Examiner Staff Writer 9/21/08
When Robert Short, who now lives in Alexandria and declined to comment, went to log into his United States Senate Federal Credit Union account on Dec. 9, his password wouldn’t work, court records said. The next day he regained access, only to discover $280,000 had gone missing.
Just three days earlier, the credit union had received a call from someone impersonating Short who requested $280,000 be sent from his account to a Wachovia account, records said. The caller’s phone number appeared to match Short’s, but was actually changed using an online service.
A wire transfer authorization form was then e-mailed to allstateassociates@yahoo.com, and returned with Short’s signature, which had been electronically copied from loan forms available on the Internet through Listsource, one of the largest online repositories of mortgage information. The cash, investigators later learned, was wired to Woori Bank of Korea.
The discovery led to a series of subpeonas, phone taps and searches, eventually exposing a group of 11 suspects who used personal information deposited on various Web sites to victimize dozens of financial institutions and their clients, court records show.
Cash obtained from well-funded home equity line of credit accounts was sent to Asia where it was laundered and returned to the suspects via Western Union, court records show. In one wire transfer, Mike Walters, who was arrested in July by Singapore police, allegedly sent nearly $60 million to Tobechi Onwuhara.
In some cases, the stolen cash was used to buy high-end cars in Texas, which were then shipped to Onwuhara’s car-dealing brother-in-law, Daniel Orjinta, in Nigeria. Among those cars was a 2008 Bentley intercepted by U.S. Customs on Aug. 30 that was being shipped from Houston to Orjinta in Nigeria.
49 Comments
Reader Comments:
POSTED Sep 28, 2008
crystal mark: "this very bad,this is painting nigeria bad.pls tamper justice with violence.And do my prophet no harm."POSTED Oct 8, 2008
okey uloaka: "u pple should leave the young man alone he is a smart boy.peace 2 all smart pple"POSTED Oct 8, 2008
johnson: "what is your business that someone collected a mere US$60m from your people? Was it not your country that bailed your banks with US$700b. You need not worry, your government will still bail the people concern. Thanks"POSTED Oct 8, 2008
Aram: "It is a game,but and a clever one,every country is engaged in fraudulent activities.But how come the owner made that kind of money.What is good for the goose is good for the gander"POSTED Oct 11, 2008
iberibe: "Chei okey , johnson na craze de worry una. America, Nigeria say sorry for the rubbish our son do una."POSTED Oct 11, 2008
don: "the guy is just trying to make some reasonable cash to assist his people back home,after all you whites have gained a whole lot from us,just take heart and forget the whole thing,God is good"POSTED Oct 11, 2008
Big Monica: "Nake una leave those hommy them ooooooooooooooo"POSTED Oct 11, 2008
Walaa: "This is Just the begining.... Boy, you are good, I want to hear more of this."POSTED Oct 12, 2008
MOLE: "he was stupid not to have returned. he is the most foolish Nigerian."POSTED Oct 13, 2008
Guy: "Please leave the young man alone. That is a supernatural blessing fro God."POSTED Oct 14, 2008
iberibe: "All of una love awuf money. Well make the young man hand over himself and repent. Maybe them go forgive am.God Himsef go forgive am too. Prison for america na america, no be nigeria. Food dey kampe, T.V Dey, Bible go dey too if the young bobo ask. God go show mercy."POSTED Oct 14, 2008
oloroibe: "I don’t believe this court story. This article is one of the bogus tales from the western world against Nigeria. Let western union Singapore confirms any Nigerian individual in USA that has received $60M. If the young man is an American citizen, they should solve their problem and leave all Nigerians alone."POSTED Oct 15, 2008
OBINNA IKOH: "Holy Ghost fire!! Chop alone die alone. Where is page two of this gist? Is that all? we dey wait."POSTED Oct 15, 2008
Karl Smith: "He is just smart. You guys should use him for something more more reasonable that jailing him. I think he ia an intelligent African..........Africans are very intelligent to use the computer to makee big money......lol"POSTED Oct 15, 2008
Dr. Karl Smith: "He is only a smart growing young man that needs his talent to be used in a more useful way. Let him go and use him for the better."POSTED Oct 15, 2008
MARTINS CN: "MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON US,$60M IS TOO MUCH TO BEEN DUPED FROM SOMEONE MAY GOD HAVE MERCY BUT IS ORJINTA AWARE OF THE SOURCE OF CAR FUNDS"POSTED Oct 16, 2008
OWO CASH: "the young niger is a smart guy we need to proceed. Let the man go. If anything happen to him. We have to retaliate."POSTED Oct 16, 2008
WE TAKING OVA: "Tobe is smart and has made a good record for himself, atleast hes a star now, no matter what it is, but he would have returned home, when he knows he has what it takes..but all thesame..we taking ova yankee..and the best for him now is to lay low for like 10 more yrs in were eva he is...then make solid plans to come home...WE TAKING OVA.."POSTED Oct 16, 2008
HUGO: "I DONT BELEIVE THOSE JUNK STORIES BY THE COURT OR WHOEVER MADE UP THAT STORY TO NAIL THE GUY, WESTERN UNION CANNOT ALLOW FOR TRANSFER EVEN ABOVE $10,000 , SO WHAT THE CRACK ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT"POSTED Oct 16, 2008
CONCERNED AFRICAN: "WHAT ABUOT 'DOCTORED' REPORT ON WMD AGAINST IRAQ FOR WHICH MANY DIED AND ARE STILL DYING? COULD THIS NOT BE ONE OF SUCH REPORTS INSTEAD OF FINDING A WAY OUT OF THEIR FINANCIAL CRISES? HOWEVER LET HIM PROVE HIS INNOCENCE OR REPENT AND PLEAD FOR LENIENCY BCOS HIS BRAIN CAN SAVE AMERICA TO THE GLORY OF GOD.JESUS DIED FOR HIM TOO."POSTED Oct 16, 2008
: "kenneth okenini is among in this transation. i know him"POSTED Oct 17, 2008
obama junior: "bravo to all 9ja guys nothing do una!"POSTED Oct 19, 2008
Curtis Clifton: "There is absolutely no doubt that Mr. Onwuhara defrauded dozens of banks in the US and several innocent American citizens of tens of millions of American dollars in an elaborate scheme which he was the master-mind.The FBI was able to unravel Mr Onwuhara's scams in precise details."POSTED Oct 20, 2008
Williams: "a lot goes on this days, i have been, have seen, have done, but they dont look right, ur FBI is working but there other means of tracking them down, u need my kind to facilitate all this, i know all the banks that launders, there roots, how its done with all finance instruments how it works and what ever u think. huthmanchambers@yahoo.com"POSTED Oct 21, 2008
Barongate: "Let USA leave Nigerians alone, all this is stories to give Nigerians bad name. God is in control nothing dey happen."POSTED Oct 21, 2008
Barongate: "Let USA leave Nigerians alone, all this is stories to give Nigerians bad name. God is in control nothing dey happen."POSTED Oct 22, 2008
yahoo: "iam part of this deal if u can come n board ur welcome"POSTED Oct 22, 2008
wazobia: "pls FBI leave this man alone and should tackle the owner of the account to ask him where did he get this kind of money from.is he a drug man or he supply amunitions for military men that is the only way to make big barl like this and this man has been into big and had business. like this man too but let them leave this man because God want him to own the money to him self."POSTED Oct 22, 2008
wazobia: "american should leave nigerians alone plz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"POSTED Oct 22, 2008
google: "THIS IS RACISM"POSTED Oct 22, 2008
Curtis Clifton: "If your Nigerian Banks, or your family were the victims of Mr. Onwuhara's scams I am very certain your postings here would read a little bit differently. Believe me when I tell you that "this scheme" has caused physical injury and death to some of the innocent victims who cannot recover from their financial loss.We just hope that the indifference in some of your postings here is not a reflection of a culture that condones crimes like this!"POSTED Oct 22, 2008
ourmaga don pay: "Actually i dont see this as a case,homeboy any were wey u dey,yahoo boys for naija comot cap for you.Americans are so foolish,to start with t-boy has supported in booting american economy by spend so much in buying cars in ur stupid country,from the total money made,they never told us how much he spent in america,abeg make una leave us alone make we make headway. Americans too dey do like say them too much,Osama break there defence and till date dem no see am catch,now na our naija brother. Me i get just one thing to promise bcos greed no fit comot for americans blood and that is why they will not stop paying,make una leave our brother alone before we go launch war against americans for internet."POSTED Oct 22, 2008
ourmaga don pay: "Curtis Clifton,who cares bout physical injury and death caused,the truth still remains that americans are very greed fools.Have u asked urself a man who discovered $280,000 out from his acct,how much his got??? still there re lots of people suffering and starving.Am sorry if i sounded insultive but if such people falls victim of this trap then you gus should be happy.Don't feel its only your country that is involved we are out for the world even the so called rich greedy nigerians."POSTED Oct 22, 2008
ourmaga don pay: "Curtis Clifton,you should be ashamed to come out here to say our home boy defrauded ur bank,i thought u americans feels superior in everything,i bet,this kinda thing cant happen in the list african bank,yet american banks were defrauded,this shows that americans re insecured,well this is just the beggining bcos we re going to pay the whites back in there own coin for all they did to us blacks in the early days,una never see anything,una father there"POSTED Oct 23, 2008
uche: "I sincerely pity my country Nigeria, and the postings I have come across here vindicate my sadness... Nigerian have destroyed the economies of countries in Africa and Asia that are even poorer than ours through financial scams... Nigerian men disguise as women to defraud innocent men through online dating... And then everybody wonders why there is corruption in the country and shout when politicians squander our money... If the postings I read here today represents Nigeria's future, it is sad, pathetic, and represents a miserable people... I will not be a part of that future...and you lots are doomed... I wonder if this is all we can do with our so called intelligence... Make money rain at night clubs instead of building companies, buy cars instead of focusing on job creating business... And for the records, God will not see any of you through... We commit crime and we still use God to justifiy our perversion and evil..."POSTED Oct 23, 2008
INDIA OBOWO / UMUAHIA FOR LIFE: "PLEASE AMERICANS LEAVE THE YOUNG STAR ALONE YOUR JEALOUS OF HAVING SOMEBODY LIKE HIM AS A NIGERIAN,IGBO FOR THAT MATTER,DONT YOU PEOPLE KNOW THAT HIS A DECENDANT OF ISREAL WE OWN THE WORLD AND WE SHALL RULE IT.FOR WE TO ACCEPT YOUR GREEDY ACT YOU HAVE TO ACCEPT THE TRUTH, LET OBAMA TAKE THE PRESIDENT OF AMERICA."POSTED Oct 24, 2008
CASHA: "This kid is actually not nigerian. HE IS A FULL BLOWN AMERICAN BORN AND RAISED. They are only emphasising his NIGERIAN heritage because they want Nigeria to be responsible. Be honest he is a product of his environment--WESTERN"POSTED Oct 26, 2008
Pabmoses: "I cannot pickout any thing from the story,maybe they just want to ruin the young guy.Only God go help us More kudos"POSTED Oct 30, 2008
Hon Chijioke(NKU): "the lord is good all the time.dan is a hero and i advice the American Govt to leave the fight for God and free the young man.If any og you out there has not seen against God before,hold him and jail him but if you have seen against God before,if you touch that young man,the lord of host will destroy america in day. Peace to u Dan Orjinta."POSTED Oct 31, 2008
Amaka: "Nigerians are great people; Americans should leave us alone to enjoy the fruit of our labor. More blessing from God."POSTED Nov 6, 2008
Greater Dan: "You huys should let go DAN, he is a genius and a DUD 4 real, he's better used for national purpose. Men I hail you DAN, big-UP, we'll are sinners and should be left to be judged by the Creator. OSISI-NA-AMI-EGO"POSTED Nov 7, 2008
George: "I know him. We were childhood friends before he left for the US in 1998. Last I heard from him was 2 years ago. I feel sad cos I know at heart he is a smart guy and a real good kid and just was influenced wrongly...they should also catch our Naija leaders who make it hard for youngmen to be honest!"POSTED Nov 7, 2008
RO ... FHA STAFF: "The world is coming to an end! I remember I read this same article in a Nigerian magazine recently. Surprisingly what I read was a twisted version of what is here because the picture of a serving governor in the East was attached to the story and Mr. Dan I understood is one of his Special Assistance. I conclude now that a contender from a rival political party is using this unfortunate incident to witch hunt Mr. Orjinta"POSTED Nov 9, 2008
A Pastor that cares: "Enyi, I have an advice for you..." turn yourself in to FBI and face up with the mess once and for all. You cannot be a fugitive for life. Those who advice differently hate you and your family. So much is at stake now. Your inlaw is detained becos of thesame mess and is separated from his family and will remain so until you are found. Being on the run will expose you to more danger and you can plunge deeper into crime and that will not serve you well. You can do a plea-bargain and turn up all assets at your disposal and co-operate with the authorities and get a minimal sentence with God on your side. After serving you will be a free man again with a new opportunity to prove to the world that you are a changed man. I am praying for you to do the right thing brother. God bless"POSTED Nov 9, 2008
Asunny-di-egwu: "You are too greedy to be forgiven. How can you continue to make all these money and all you do is waste it. With even a million investment, you could have been made for life. How many of us here in the U.S can boost of $10,000.00 in our bank account, still we lived comfortably without complaining. Like father like son, it is in your gene. Even if the let go - life goes on, same same. Whereever you are hiding - I advise you like the Pastor did, give in yourself so that they can release your inlaw. There is nothing bad to sale cars for your inlaw."POSTED Nov 10, 2008
Echime.: "I will say d guy Tobechi Owuahara is a smart guy,and will advice that fbi should leave him alone because he couldn't have done this without bank officials in America,i think his a very wise smart guy.4RM Echime."POSTED Nov 15, 2008
ogbonna Amos: "get the nigerian EFCC to arrest and hand the suspects over to us authorities"POSTED Nov 18, 2008
Okmann: "The man Ojinta is a man I know very well and will do notin to soil his hands, what is wrong when ur brother inlaws asks you for join in a car sales business? I see notin wrong with that and advise that Mr. Ojinta be released to rejoin his family as a free man while the Americans shld intensify effort with their search for the real culprit.. I wish the Americans luck!"POSTED Nov 18, 2008
Okmann: "The man Ojinta is a man I know very well and will do notin to soil his hands, what is wrong when ur brother inlaws asks you for join in a car sales business? I see notin wrong with that and advise that Mr. Ojinta be released to rejoin his family as a free man while the Americans shld intensify effort with their search for the real culprit.. I wish the Americans luck!"