The Crime partner Of Internet Fraud Convict, Hushpuppi identified as Olalekan Jacob Ponle popularly known as Mr. Woodberry has pleaded guilty to a fraud Charge in the US and agreed to pay the victims $8Million.
News About Nigeria confirmed in an added report that he had also agreed to give out his luxury cars and wristwatches to the foreign government.
He was arrested in Dubai on June 10, 2020, alongside Ramon “Hushpuppi” Abbas, who is currently serving an 11-year jail term in the US for fraud.
It was reported in July 2020 that Woodberry and 10 others were arrested in an operation tagged ‘Fox Hunt’ after they were accused of “committing crimes outside the UAE which includes money-laundering, cyber fraud, hacking, criminal impersonating, scamming individuals, banking fraud and identity theft.
There have been a plea declaration submitted at the United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division on April 6, 2023 that showed that Woodberry had turned a new leaf and pleaded guilty to count one of the charges.
Peoples Gazette had reported that the document containing Mr. Woodberry’s signed plea declaration states, “Defendant understands that by pleading guilty, he will subject to forfeiture to the United States all right, title, and interest that he has in any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the offence.”
The items seized from Woodberry include high-end automobiles Rolls Royce Cullinan with vehicle no J9153, Lamborghini Urus (N4973); Mercedes-Benz G-class (G68816); four Rolex watches; one Patek Philippe watch; three Audemars Piguet watches; three gold and diamond-studded earrings and six gold neck chains.
In 2022, Mr. Woodberry forfeited 151.8 Bitcoin which was worth roughly $6 million, to the US government, while the US authorities have determined to recover all stolen monies from the Nigerian fraudster.
The sentencing of Mr Woodberry is scheduled for July 11, 2023.
