France-Based Nigerian Extradited to U.S. Over $3M Cyber Fraud, Faces 47 Years in Prison By TMY News | August 7, 2025

A 39-year-old Nigerian man, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, has been extradited from France to the United States to face multiple charges related to a multimillion-dollar cyber fraud and identity theft scheme.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Amachukwu allegedly orchestrated sophisticated hacking and fraud operations that spanned several years and targeted tax preparation businesses and U.S. government relief programs. He was extradited following a collaborative investigation between American and French authorities.

The Allegations

Amachukwu is accused of using spear-phishing attacks to infiltrate U.S.-based tax preparation firms, particularly in New York and Texas. Once inside, he reportedly accessed sensitive client data, which was then used to file fraudulent tax returns, ultimately stealing over $2.5 million in refunds. Prosecutors say he attempted to steal as much as $8.4 million in total.

In addition to the tax refund scheme

authorities allege that Amachukwu submitted fraudulent applications for Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These applications reportedly resulted in the disbursement of approximately $819,000 in federal relief funds.

Federal investigators also linked him to a separate investment fraud scheme, where he and unnamed associates promised investors fictitious “standby letters of credit,” pocketing millions of dollars in the process.

Charges and Possible Sentence

Amachukwu faces multiple counts in the United States District Court, including: • Conspiracy to commit computer intrusions • Wire fraud • Aggravated identity theft

Each wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, while the identity theft charges carry a mandatory two-year sentence to be served consecutively. If convicted on all counts, he could spend up to 47 years behind bars.

International Collaboration

The extradition is the latest example of growing international cooperation in tackling transnational cybercrime. French authorities apprehended Amachukwu earlier this year and handed him over to U.S. federal agents under a mutual legal assistance treaty.

This case highlights the U.S. Justice Department’s commitment to bringing cybercriminals to justice—no matter where in the world they attempt to operate,” said Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Next Steps Amachukwu is expected to be arraigned in the Southern District of New York in the coming days. Legal analysts say the case may become a benchmark in international cyber fraud prosecutions. TMY News will continue to follow this developing story.