Indictments unsealed in the Northern District of Georgia and the Western District of Texas on Apr. 15 charge Akinade Adedeji Raheem, a Georgia resident, and Abayomi Quadri Eletu, a resident of the United Kingdom and Nigeria, with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and other offenses related to an alleged scheme targeting the Internal Revenue Service.
The case involves accusations that Raheem and Eletu conspired to use stolen identities from accountants and taxpayers to file over 300 false tax returns seeking more than $100 million in refunds. Prosecutors say these actions not only resulted in significant financial loss but also compromised personal information for numerous individuals.
According to U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, “Akinade Adedeji Raheem and Abayomi Quadri Eletu conspired together and with others to claim fraudulent tax refunds using the stolen identities of accountants and taxpayers.” Authorities allege that between 2018 and 2023, the group obtained identifying details by creating online IRS accounts for victims. They then changed taxpayer addresses with both the IRS and U.S. Postal Service so communications would be sent directly to them instead of legitimate taxpayers. The group is accused of filing electronic returns directing refunds onto prepaid debit cards under their control; they allegedly laundered funds by purchasing money orders below reporting thresholds or buying used cars shipped overseas.
Eletu was arrested in the United Kingdom at the request of U.S. authorities. Both defendants face multiple charges: each is charged with conspiracy counts for wire/mail fraud and money laundering; Eletu faces additional counts including mail fraud, wire fraud, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft while Raheem faces similar charges.
Hertzberg announced these developments alongside Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Investigators from IRS Criminal Investigation as well as Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are handling inquiries into this matter; international assistance came from UK authorities as well as coordination through Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
The Northern District of Georgia covers a region serving approximately 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains, Atlanta suburbs, as well as borders with Alabama and the Carolinas according to its official website. The office prioritizes prosecution against threats such as terrorism or civil rights violations while enforcing federal criminal laws in partnership with law enforcement agencies according to its official website. Hertzberg serves as principal federal law enforcement officer for this district according to its official website which also coordinates cases involving national or international dimensions according to its official website.
Authorities remind that indictments are allegations only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
