A Nigerian fraudster, Fatiu Ismaila Lawal, 46, has been sentenced to 54 months in a U.

Lawal, who was extradited from Canada in July 2024, pleaded guilty in September and was sentenced on Tuesday at the U.S. District Court in Tacoma by Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright.

Sophisticated Fraud Scheme Targeting Pandemic Relief

Judge Cartwright condemned the crime, stating, “This scheme exploited programs designed to help people in real need during an international emergency.”

According to U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman, Lawal had been involved in fraudulent activities for years but escalated his operations when pandemic relief funds became available. “This defendant made fraud his full-time job even before COVID-19, but he went into overdrive once critical aid started flowing,” Gorman said.

How Lawal and His Accomplice Stole Millions

Lawal and his co-conspirator, Sakiru Olanrewaju Ambali, 46, stole the identities of thousands of American workers, filing over 1,700 fraudulent pandemic unemployment claims across 25 states, including Washington. They attempted to steal approximately $25 million but successfully obtained around $2.7 million. Lawal personally admitted to filing fraudulent claims worth over $1.34 million.

This case highlights the extensive efforts of U.S. authorities to crack down on pandemic relief fraud, ensuring justice for those who exploited financial aid programs meant for struggling individuals.