A Nigerian citizen, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, has been extradited from France to the United States to face multiple charges related to hacking, identity theft, and wire fraud. U.S. authorities allege he orchestrated cybercrimes that defrauded tax agencies and victims of millions of dollars.
The extradition was confirmed on Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton of the Southern District of New York and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia.
Amachukwu, also known as “Chukwuemeka Victor Eletuo” and “So Kwan Leung,” made his initial court appearance before Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. The case is assigned to District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.
According to court filings, Amachukwu and several co-conspirators, many allegedly based in Nigeria, launched a hacking campaign that began in 2019. They reportedly used spearphishing emails to breach U.S. tax preparation companies, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The stolen information was allegedly used to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and various state tax authorities. Prosecutors claim the group attempted to steal more than $8.4 million in tax refunds and succeeded in obtaining at least $2.5 million.
COVID-19 Relief Funds Also Exploited
In addition to tax fraud, Amachukwu allegedly exploited the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Using stolen identities, the group submitted false applications and secured approximately $819,000 in relief funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also faces accusations of defrauding individuals through non-existent standby letters of credit. Victims were lured with promises of high returns, but the funds were diverted for personal enrichment. Authorities estimate that millions were stolen through this separate investment scam.
French law enforcement arrested Amachukwu following a request from the United States. His extradition resulted from joint efforts by the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Justice, and Office of International Affairs.
“If you’re scamming Americans behind a screen, the FBI will find and bring you to justice,” said FBI’s Raia.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Amachukwu, 39, now faces the following charges:
One count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusions (maximum 5 years)
Two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud (up to 20 years each)
Two counts of wire fraud (up to 20 years each)
One count of aggravated identity theft (mandatory additional 2-year sentence)
The Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Nessim, is prosecuting the case.
Authorities emphasize that the charges are still allegations. Amachukwu remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
