Paulinus Okoronkwo.webp
The Digest:

Paulinus Okoronkwo, a senior official at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), has been ordered to forfeit a $2.5 million luxury mansion in Los Angeles to the United States government following his conviction on money laundering charges. The ruling by Judge John Walter of the U.S. District Court marks another high-profile asset seizure linked to a Nigerian politically exposed person and forms part of Okoronkwo's sentencing.

Key Points:
  • NNPC official Paulinus Okoronkwo forfeits $2.5 million Los Angeles mansion.
  • U.S. District Court ordered seizure under money laundering statutes.
  • Property located at 25340 Twin Oaks Place, Valencia, California.
  • Okoronkwo was convicted on three counts of transactional money laundering.
  • Forfeiture forms part of his sentencing in Case No. 2:24-CR-20(A)-JFW.
  • The U.S. government is authorized to liquidate the asset after resolving third-party claims.
  • The case is part of a broader probe into financial crimes by Nigerian politically exposed persons.
This case highlights continued international cooperation in tracing and recovering proceeds of corruption linked to Nigerian officials. Ill-Gotten Gains.

Sources: Peoples Gazette