A Nigerian national, Bimbo Toyin Akinyemi, has been caught attempting to defraud a Kansas resident of cryptocurrency, according to the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The failed scam resulted in Akinyemi facing over $50,000 in civil penalties.
In a statement titled, “State of Kansas, U.S., Thwarts Attempt by Nigerian Crypto Scammer,” it was revealed that Akinyemi lured the victim with the promise of high returns on a cryptocurrency investment. The agreement, made on July 15, 2023, instructed the victim to buy Bitcoin and transfer it to Akinyemi’s so-called investment wallet, with an expectation of returns ranging from $500 to $1,240.
Akinyemi exploited the victim’s lack of cryptocurrency knowledge, misleading them about the traceability of the transactions and falsely claiming the need to activate a digital wallet. After the funds were transferred, Akinyemi rerouted them to his personal account, and the victim received an uncashed fraudulent $1,000 cheque.
The Kansas Attorney General’s Office is now ensuring that the victim is refunded $250, while Akinyemi faces $50,000 in penalties for five legal violations, as well as $4,000 in investigation fees and court costs. Akinyemi is being sued under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act by the Charities and Financial Scams Unit.
This case underscores the continued rise of cryptocurrency fraud and the vigilant efforts by U.S. authorities to protect consumers.
