Nigerian Extradited From Benin to US Over Alleged $100m Tax Refund Fraud
A 43-year-old Nigerian, Akinade Adedeji Raheem, has been extradited from Benin Republic to the United States over allegations that he helped run a stolen-identity tax refund scheme worth more than $100 million. US prosecutors allege that Raheem and his co-conspirators filed more than 300 false tax returns between 2018 and 2023, using stolen identities and Social Security numbers. The refunds were allegedly directed to prepaid debit cards, with some proceeds used to buy money orders, used cars and designer items. Raheem was arrested in Benin in April after travelling from Mexico City. He has been charged with fraud, money laundering, access-device fraud and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors said he remains in US Marshals custody pending further court proceedings, while a second suspect faces extradition proceedings in the United Kingdom. The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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