Two Nigerian nationals based in Ireland, Francis Ogbuefi and Steven Silvester, on Friday, March 20, were sentenced to a combined jail term of over 16 years for a €6 million fraud.
The 42-year-old Ogbuefi received nine years, while the 32-year-old Silvester was sentenced to seven and a half years.
Both were arrested and prosecuted following a lengthy investigation by Ireland’s Garda National Economic Crime Bureau.
Court proceedings revealed that the pair had traveled from Nigeria to Ireland to carry out organized fraud, with the total value of the schemes estimated at €6.17 million.
Despite denying the charges, a jury found them guilty after a trial last month.
Investigators uncovered that over €6 million had been stolen and laundered through various methods, including romance fraud and smishing, with funds moved across multiple bank accounts.
Evidence indicated that Ogbuefi and Silvester coordinated the provision and monitoring of accounts used to receive illicit funds, often responding to requests from around the world, many linked to Nigerian phone numbers.
Data recovered from Ogbuefi’s phone detailed job specifications, transaction volumes, and account requirements.
He had instructed that accounts be opened under Irish names to avoid suspicion and acted as a key contact for collaborators outside Ireland.
A nine-minute instructional video on committing fraud was also found on his device, along with images showing him overseeing transactions and directing the group’s activities.
Prosecutors noted that Ogbuefi took a 20 per cent cut of the proceeds and claimed extensive experience in the scheme.
Further evidence revealed that Ogbuefi had entered Ireland as a student, while Silvester had initially lived in direct provision before becoming transient.
Presiding Judge Martin Nolan described the operation as complex, noting that money laundering networks rely heavily on access to bank accounts.
He highlighted that both men demonstrated a strong understanding of banking systems and regularly tested vulnerabilities.
The judge also commended investigators for their diligent work in pursuing leads and presenting compelling evidence.
While acknowledging the severity of the crimes, Nolan noted that both convicts had no prior criminal records, were regarded positively by their families, and were intelligent and capable of reform.
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