Olalekan Jacob Ponle, AKA Mr Woodberry, a notorious Internet fraudster, has entered a guilty plea with US authorities, agreeing to hand over $8 million in wire fraud proceeds as well as luxury cars and watches to the foreign government.
Mr. Woodberry, who enjoys bragging about his lavish lifestyle on social media, initially pleaded not guilty to an eight-count fraud charge brought against him for participating in a scheme known as business email compromise (BEC).
However, a plea declaration filed on April 6 in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division revealed that Mr Woodberry had a change of heart and is now pleading guilty to count one of the indictments.
According to his plea agreement, he must repay the $8 million he fraudulently received from the seven companies that fell for his con.
“Defendant understands that by pleading guilty, he will forfeit his fraudulent possessions, title, and interest in any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the offence,” the document containing Mr Ponle’s signed plea document stated.
Mr. Ponle was also asked to relinquish ownership of the luxury cars and designer watches he had stashed in Dubai.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan (J9153), Lamborghini Urus (N4973), and Mercedes-Benz G-class are among the high-end vehicles (G68816).
Four Rolex watches, one Patek Philippe watch, three Audemars Piguet watches, three gold and silver rings were also seized.
Earrings with diamonds and six gold neck chains are included.
Last year, he forfeited 151.8 Bitcoin, or about $6 million, to the US government, which was determined to recover all stolen funds from the Nigerian fraudster.
On June 10, 2020, Mr Ponle was arrested in Dubai alongside Ramon Hushpuppi Abbas, who is currently serving an 11-year sentence for a similar fraud charge.
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