The Federal High Court in Uyo has sentenced Scales Olatunji, a popular international fraudster to 235 years imprisonment for internet fraud and money laundering.
This indictment comes almost two years later, as the trial began since July 2, 2019. The convict was charged with 45-count offenses of identity theft, money laundering, and conspiracy.
However, his “not guilty” plea put the trial in full swing.
On the issue of money laundering, a particular count states that Mr. Scales Olatunji alongside four other accomplices; laundered N525,172,580.00 (Five Hundred and Twenty Five Million, One Hundred and Seventy-two Thousand, Five Hundred and Eighty Naira) only, from January 2017 to October 2018. The court however adds that this money is part of the earnings from illegal activities; which are Business email compromise and identity theft.
Also, another charge states that Mr. Scales Olatunji defrauded a Charity Association providing football pitches of €64,000.00 (Sixty-Four Thousand Euros). The convict achieved this by pretending to be Per Ravn Omdal, a former President of the Football Association of Norway.
While passing the verdict on Monday, June 27th, 2022, the presiding Judge, Justice Agatha Okeke find the accused guilty of all 45-charges raised against him.
Consequently, the Judge convicted Mr. Scales Olatunji to Seven (7) years imprisonment; on the first five charges that is count one to five. And another five (5) years imprisonment on the remaining counts. This means that each count is multiplied by the number of years, thereby totaling 235 years.
The court however adds that his sentence would be in line with the date of his arrest.
Court orders EFCC to share proceeds of the Internet Fraud to Victims
Additionally, the court orders the EFCC to refund the Norwegian victims using money from the convict’s account. Also, that the EFCC should sell his two houses in Lekki and Ikate, Lagos respectively. And to give the proceeds to the Norwegians.
It is worth noting that his arrest on March 20, 2019 follows a request from the Oslo Police District in Norway; seeking the EFCC’s help to investigate a collection of Nigerians defrauding the Norwegian people.
Investigations also show that the convict is a member of a criminal network that specializes in Business Email Compromise – BEC.
