The Digest:
UK-based Nigerian Farouk Adekunle Adepoju has been arrested by British authorities for allegedly hacking a US university’s payment system and diverting $235,266 to a fraudulent account. The arrest, following a US indictment, highlights intensifying cross-border efforts to combat cybercrime. Rooted in the Storm.
Key Points
- Adepoju faces extradition to the US on charges of wire fraud and computer fraud.
- He allegedly hacked a Pennsylvania construction firm working with the university in March–April 2023.
- The scheme involved email spoofing, altered rules, and fraudulent payment instructions.
- Stolen funds (₦365 million) remain unrecovered, per the US Department of Justice.
- The FBI’s Pittsburgh office led the investigation, vowing to pursue global cybercriminals.
- Adepoju risks up to 20 years per wire fraud count and 5 years for computer fraud.
- US authorities emphasized Adepoju is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The case underscores the escalating global crackdown on cybercrime and the diminishing refuge for offenders across international jurisdictions.
Sources: Pulse Nigeria
