Indictments unsealed in the Northern District of Georgia and Western District of Texas charge Akinade Adedeji Raheem, a Georgia resident, and Abayomi Quadri Eletu, who resides in the United Kingdom and Nigeria, with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and related crimes. The announcement was made on Apr. 15 by U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg of the Northern District of Georgia.
The case is significant due to its scope: authorities allege that Raheem and Eletu orchestrated a scheme using stolen identities to file more than 300 fraudulent tax returns seeking over $100 million from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The alleged conduct raises concerns about tax refund fraud impacting both individuals whose identities were stolen and federal agencies responsible for safeguarding taxpayer information.
According to prosecutors, between 2018 and 2023 Raheem, Eletu, and others obtained personal data from accountants and taxpayers by creating online IRS accounts or requesting private information. They allegedly changed addresses with both the IRS and U.S. Postal Service so correspondence would be redirected to locations they controlled. Using this information, they electronically filed false returns directing refunds onto prepaid debit cards. Co-conspirators are accused of verifying taxpayers’ identities fraudulently when contacted by the IRS before funds were released.
Authorities say Eletu instructed Raheem to obtain prepaid debit cards for anticipated refunds; once deposited, some funds were laundered through purchases such as money orders below reporting thresholds or used cars sent overseas. Designer clothing was also reportedly purchased with illicit proceeds.
Both defendants face multiple charges: one count each of conspiracy to commit wire/mail fraud and money laundering; Eletu faces additional counts including mail/wire fraud, access device fraud (seven counts), aggravated identity theft (21 counts); Raheem faces further access device fraud (14 counts) and aggravated identity theft (14 counts). Maximum penalties range up to 20 years per major offense plus mandatory two-year sentences for certain charges.
Hertzberg said an indictment is merely an allegation: “All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.” He added that international cooperation played a role—Eletu was arrested in the UK at U.S. request—and thanked British authorities for their assistance.
The case reflects broader priorities outlined by the official website of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia: prosecuting threats like terrorism or human trafficking while protecting civil rights; enforcing federal criminal laws; representing government interests in civil matters; coordinating cases with national/international reach; serving as principal federal law enforcement agency across north Georgia’s region—which includes Atlanta suburbs—and collaborating closely with other agencies.
