A Nigerian national and permanent U.S. resident, Abiola Quadri, has been sentenced to over 11 years (135 months) in a United States federal prison for masterminding a $1.3 million COVID-19 benefits fraud scheme.
The 43-year-old, who resided in Pasadena, California, used stolen identities to file hundreds of fraudulent applications for unemployment and disability benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities say the funds were funneled into extravagant real estate projects in Nigeria, including a nightclub, shopping mall, and a 120-room luxury resort known as Oyins International.
In a statement posted Wednesday on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Instagram page, the agency confirmed that Quadri was arrested in September 2024 at Los Angeles International Airport while attempting to flee to Nigeria.
“Quadri orchestrated a complex web of fraudulent claims that exploited taxpayer resources. We’re proud that our special agents’ hard work paid off,” ICE said.
Investigations revealed that Quadri withdrew significant sums from ATMs across Southern California between 2021 and his arrest. He also transferred over $500,000 abroad to fund his Nigerian real estate ventures. Authorities found 17 counterfeit checks totaling more than $3.3 million on his phone, along with evidence of negotiations related to fraudulent transactions.
Quadri used fake names and shell companies, including Rock of Peace, a supposed daycare provider for children with developmental disabilities. During a search of his home, agents uncovered food-aid debit cards and other fraudulent documents.
The U.S. District Judge George H. Wu delivered the sentence on July 10, 2025, at a federal court in Los Angeles. In addition to prison time, Quadri was ordered to pay $1,356,229 in restitution and a $35,000 fine.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud on January 2. According to court filings, Quadri also admitted to acquiring U.S. permanent residency through a sham marriage.
The case was jointly investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE), and the California Employment Development Department Investigation Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Brown of the Major Frauds Section.
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