FBI Uncovers $460 Million Cyber Fraud Linked to Nigerian National Targeting Trump’s 2025 Inauguration Funds

The FBI has revealed a sophisticated cyber fraud scheme allegedly led by Nigerian national Ehiremen Aigbokhan, accused of diverting over N460 million intended for U.S. President Donald Trump’s January 2025 inauguration.

The fraud occurred on December 26, 2024, via a Business Email Compromise (BEC) attack. The perpetrator impersonated a high-ranking official involved in inauguration logistics, tricking victims into transferring 250,300 USDT.ETH — a cryptocurrency pegged to the U.S. dollar — valued at over N400 million at the time.

FBI investigations traced the emails and cryptocurrency wallet activity back to Lagos, Nigeria, using IP address logs and blockchain forensic analysis.

Aigbokhan now faces charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, with the FBI calling for his arrest and emphasizing the need for enhanced international cooperation to tackle cybercrime originating from West Africa.