Financial Crime World

Georgia Cyber Fraud Task Force: Georgia Residents Lost $144 Million to Cybercrimes in 2021

According to the Georgia Cyber Fraud Task Force (CFTF), Georgia residents lost almost $144 million to cyber-enabled crimes in 2021. This alarming figure puts a spotlight on the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of prevention and enforcement efforts.

Leading Causes of Cybercrimes in Georgia

Business email compromise (BEC) schemes, investment scams, and confidence or romance scams were the leading causes of fraud in Georgia. Nationwide, the financial toll of such crimes reached billions of dollars.

The Mission of Georgia Cyber Fraud Task Force

The CFTF, a collaborative effort of local, state, and federal agencies in Georgia, is on a mission to combat cybercrime. The organization focuses on community outreach and training initiatives to enhance law enforcement’s and prosecutors’ response to cyber-enabled crime.

Money Mules: The Facilitators of Cybercrime

Cybercriminals exploit networks of participants to execute their scams, one of whom is the “money mule.” Money mules open and manage U.S. bank accounts, often businesses, and transfer funds from various fraudulent activities to overseas accounts. The CFTF focuses on identifying leads in the Atlanta area, reducing investigation time, and affecting judicial intervention against money mules.

Combating Cybercrime: Challenges and Solutions

The growing complexity of investigating cyber-enabled fraud cases creates challenges for law enforcement. With victims and scammers often located in different jurisdictions, identifying and tracing the funds can be difficult. The CFTF addresses these obstacles by proactively tackling cases and collaborating with law enforcement agencies across the country.

Recent Cybercrime Cases in Georgia

Several individuals from Georgia were charged or convicted in connection with cybercrime cases:

  • Bernard Kaba, a 62-year-old Morrow resident, received a ten-year probation sentence and a $50,000 restitution order after admission to BEC fraud-related charges.
  • Borin Khoun of Lawrenceville was sentenced to fifteen years, including nine months in jail and work release, on top of probation, and a $1,500 fine for receiving funds from romance and inheritance scams.
  • Olayemi Fadipe and Stella Mae Zebic of Snellville and Brookhaven, respectively, are currently facing charges.
  • Jaysen Robinson and Augustus Edmund, from Dunwoody and Conyers, are being indicted for involvement in BEC schemes.
  • Ugochinyere Anazodo of Suwannee stands accused of racketeering, theft, and money laundering in relation to several cyber-enabled frauds.

Individuals charged in cybercrime cases are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Reporting Cybercrime and Safeguarding Against Fraud

If you have fallen victim to a cyber-enabled fraud scheme, report the incident to:

  1. Your bank
  2. Your local law enforcement agency
  3. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)

To safeguard against cybercrime, consider these precautions:

  • Confirm transactions in person or via phone calls initiated by you
  • Be cautious of individuals who decline in-person meetings and request money
## Protecting Small Businesses, Non-profits, and Places of Worship

To help small businesses, non-profits, and places of worship, the Georgia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division has released "Cybersecurity in Georgia," a free comprehensive guide filled with critical tips and information on cyber threats, safeguarding data, employee training, breach response, and more.

Further Information

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