In a significant development in the fight against pandemic-related fraud, Yomi Jones “Sabbie” Olayeye, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, was apprehended by the FBI on August 13, 2024. Olayeye was arrested upon his arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. His arrest marks a crucial moment in the crackdown on fraudulent claims made during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Olayeye is accused of a sophisticated fraud scheme that sought to exploit the U.S. government’s pandemic relief programs. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Olayeye and an unnamed accomplice were involved in defrauding the government of approximately $1.5 million. The scheme allegedly involved fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits, including traditional Unemployment Assistance (UI), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).
From March to July 2020, Olayeye and his co-conspirator are said to have filed false claims using stolen personal information. This information, purchased through criminal online forums, was used to impersonate eligible residents in various states such as Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. The fraudsters reportedly used this stolen data to open bank accounts and prepaid debit cards, through which they received the illicit payments.
Olayeye’s legal troubles began in September 2020 when he and his co-conspirator were indicted on charges including wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Despite being indicted, Olayeye managed to live outside the U.S. until he applied for and was granted a U.S. visa in 2024. His return to the U.S. led to his arrest, and he has since been transferred from the Eastern District of New York to the District of Massachusetts for further legal proceedings.
This case is part of the broader efforts of the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force, established by the Attorney General in May 2021. This task force aims to combat and prevent fraud related to pandemic relief programs. The Department of Justice continues to investigate such cases rigorously, ensuring that those who exploit these programs are held accountable.
The arrest of Olayeye serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to address fraud and the persistence of U.S. authorities in seeking justice for pandemic-related crimes. It also highlights the significant impact that international fraudsters can have on U.S. relief programs and the lengths to which they will go to exploit these systems.
For more information on how the DOJ is addressing COVID-19 fraud and to report potential fraud, visit the Department of Justice’s official websites.
