Thirty-Six Individuals Sentenced for Financial Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme
Atlanta, GA - Thirty-six Individuals Held Accountable for Large-Scale Fraud
Thirty-six individuals, including Joshua Roberts, Darius Sowah Okang, and George Kodjo Edem Adatsi among others, have been sentenced in connection with a large-scale financial fraud and money laundering scheme. The conspirators defrauded victims across the United States, targeting individuals, corporations, and financial institutions, resulting in over $30 million in losses.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Committed to Protecting Victims
Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, expressed his office’s commitment to seeking justice for the victims. Buchanan stated,
“The Department of Justice has worked tirelessly for over four years to bring these defendants to justice. The sentences handed down today should serve as a clear warning that financial fraud and money laundering schemes will not be tolerated. We remain dedicated to protecting the financial security of our communities and working with our law enforcement partners at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure the integrity of our financial systems.”
Exploiting Retirement Plans: The Consequences
Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Southeast Region, commented on the consequences of exploiting ERISA-covered retirement plans.
“Today’s sentencings demonstrate the consequences of those who exploit the ERISA-covered retirement plans of hardworking individuals for their own personal gain. The funds that were fraudulently obtained will be returned to the victims, and the U.S. Department of Labor and Employee Benefits Security Administration will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to safeguard and restore the hard-earned retirement savings of targeted participants.”
FBI: Fraud Consequences Can Be Devastating
Keri Fairly, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Atlanta Field Office, referred to the cases as “not victimless.”
“The consequences of these scams can be devastating to individuals and businesses. Today’s sentencings send a strong message that the FBI, in partnership with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively pursue those who engage in fraud and money laundering schemes and ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.”
Homeland Security Investigations: Protecting the Nation’s Financial Infrastructure
Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard of HSI Atlanta and Alabama reminded that the defendants defrauded individuals and companies with the sole purpose of enriching themselves.
“HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the nation’s financial infrastructure and hold those responsible for financial crimes accountable.”
Individuals Sentenced for Conspiracy and Other Charges
More than fourteen individuals, including Joshua Roberts, Darius Sowah Okang, George Kodjo Edem Adatsi, and ten others, have been sentenced in connection with the fraud and money laundering ring. The criminals were sentenced to terms ranging from one to eight years and one month in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution to their victims.
Multi-Agency Collaboration: Investigation and Prosecution
The cases were investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, in collaboration with the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration, and numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly K. Connors and Russell Phillips.
For further information, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Press Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.