A Nigerian man currently residing in the United Kingdom, identified as Farouk Adekunle Adepoju, has been apprehended by British law enforcement authorities following an extradition request from the United States government. Adepoju faces multiple charges including wire fraud and computer fraud in connection with a cybercrime scheme targeting a Pennsylvania-based construction company contracted by a university.
Prosecutors allege that Adepoju exploited vulnerabilities in the company’s email system to divert payments that were legitimately intended for the firm. The fraudulent activity reportedly occurred over a period in early 2023, affecting financial transactions critical to the construction contract.
In an official statement released on Thursday, September 18, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Adepoju was arrested on September 15, 2025, in the United Kingdom and is currently awaiting extradition to the United States to face a seven-count indictment in the Western District of Pennsylvania.
Indictment specifics and scheme
The unsealed indictment details that Adepoju allegedly accessed a protected computer remotely between March and April 2023. He is accused of manipulating email settings, creating a spoofed domain that mimicked the construction company’s email, and issuing fraudulent payment instructions to the university. These instructions caused approximately $235,266 (₦365 million) to be transferred to an account under Adepoju’s control. As of the DOJ’s latest statement, the stolen funds have not been recovered, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the scheme.
The indictment formally charges Adepoju with six counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison, and one count of computer fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years. Authorities emphasized that an indictment is only an allegation at this stage, and Adepoju is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Comments from US authorities
Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti described the case as a significant example of international cooperation in combating cybercrime. He stated, “Adepoju is charged with using sophisticated cyber means to illegally access accounts belonging to a business in order to victimize one of our region’s universities. His arrest in the United Kingdom underscores our unwavering commitment to prosecute cybercriminals worldwide.”
Rivetti further explained that the case demonstrates the DOJ’s ability to pursue cybercriminals beyond U.S. borders, sending a clear message that geographical distance does not offer immunity from prosecution.
FBI perspective and warnings
The FBI’s Pittsburgh Field Office led the investigation, working closely with international partners to locate and apprehend Adepoju. Special Agent in Charge Kevin Rojek warned that cybercriminals should not assume they are beyond the reach of law enforcement.
“Criminals who think they can reach across the globe into the United States to line their pockets at the expense of the American public need know one thing: the FBI and our partners are not going to let you get away with it,” Rojek said, emphasizing that sophisticated cyber schemes will be pursued vigorously, regardless of the perpetrator’s location.
Legal implications and next steps
If extradited and convicted, Adepoju faces severe federal penalties. The six counts of wire fraud carry up to 20 years each, while the single count of computer fraud carries up to five years. Beyond prison time, he could face significant fines and restitution requirements. Authorities highlighted that Adepoju’s case is also part of broader efforts to deter cybercriminals from targeting U.S. entities from overseas.
The DOJ and FBI underscored the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling cybercrime, stating that international partnerships are critical to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting individuals involved in complex digital fraud schemes. They further encouraged businesses and individuals to remain vigilant and implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent similar incidents.
The case continues to unfold, with U.S. prosecutors coordinating with British authorities to complete the extradition process. Adepoju remains in custody in the United Kingdom while awaiting legal proceedings, and additional updates are expected as the investigation progresses.