FBI Launches Global Manhunt for Nigerian Fraudsters Accused of Stealing $60 Million from Top Carbon Supplier

The FBI has initiated a manhunt for Nigerian nationals accused of orchestrating a $60 million scheme against Orion S.A., a Luxembourg-based leader in carbon black production, a material essential to industries like tire manufacturing, inks, batteries, and plastics.

The alleged fraud came to light through filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 10. The documents indicate that Orion suffered multiple unauthorized wire transfers due to a criminal scheme targeting one of its employees, who reportedly became a conduit for the fraud. Orion disclosed that, if unrecovered, the financial loss will result in a one-time pre-tax charge of $60 million.

While the SEC filing withheld the suspects’ identities, sources confirmed to Peoples Gazette that the alleged fraudsters are of Nigerian descent. The case reflects a familiar pattern in business email compromise (BEC) schemes, where criminals use phishing and social engineering tactics to manipulate company employees into redirecting funds.

The FBI’s efforts follow a history of similar high-profile fraud cases involving Nigerian nationals. In a notorious example, Ramon Abbas (aka “Ray Hushpuppi”) and his associate Olalekan Ponle (known as “Woodberry”) were sentenced to prison in the United States for defrauding businesses and individuals through BEC schemes. Both are currently serving sentences at Fort Dix correctional facility.

The FBI’s manhunt underscores a deepening commitment by U.S. authorities to combat cyber-enabled financial crimes. This includes ongoing collaboration with Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a crackdown on global fraud networks. In October, the FBI sought the EFCC’s assistance in locating two Nigerian fugitives—Babatunde Shodiya and Yinka Jamiu—who are accused of swindling $13 million from American healthcare providers in Minnesota.