A U.S.-based Nigerian, Opeyemi Olujobi, and his wife, Jennie Davidson, are facing up to 50 years in prison over an alleged large-scale credit card fraud scheme in New York.
According to a statement by Jay Clayton, the couple was arrested in Poughkeepsie and is expected to appear before a magistrate judge in White Plains.
Prosecutors allege that the duo used stolen identities to gain access to more than 200 credit card accounts, carrying out unauthorised transactions worth over $500,000.
Alleged fraud scheme
Authorities said the suspects impersonated victims using personal details such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, phone numbers, and addresses to take over accounts.
After gaining access, they allegedly:
- Changed account addresses to locations under their control
- Reported cards as lost or stolen
- Requested replacement cards delivered to those addresses
Once in possession of the cards, they were used to purchase gift cards and other items, with total fraudulent spending estimated at about $575,000.
Investigators also said surveillance footage captured the suspects using the stolen cards at various retail outlets.
Additional allegations
Prosecutors further claimed that the pair contacted financial institutions to approve declined transactions or increase credit limits.
Davidson is also accused of laundering part of the proceeds through an online betting platform before transferring funds into her personal account.
Charges and penalties
The couple faces a four-count indictment, including conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud—offences that carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Davidson faces an additional money laundering charge, which could add up to 20 years.
Authorities emphasised that the charges remain allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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