US seeks to strip Nigerian man of citizenship over $11m fraud
Emmanuel Oluwatosin Kazeem is facing a lawsuit from the United States Department of Justice aiming to revoke his citizenship. Kazeem was previously convicted on multiple counts related to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and conspiracy. Authorities allege he masterminded a scheme involving stolen identities, fraudulent tax returns, and substantial financial gains. The DoJ claims his actions disqualify him from lawful naturalisation.
What happened
- The US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to revoke Emmanuel Oluwatosin Kazeem's citizenship after his conviction for fraud.
- Kazeem was identified as the leader of a scheme that used stolen personal information to file fraudulent tax returns between 2012 and 2015.
- Investigators found Kazeem and his co-conspirators possessed data of over 259,000 victims and filed more than 10,000 fraudulent tax returns.
- Proceeds from the fraud were used for real estate purchases and attempted business ventures, with significant sums transferred to Nigeria.
- The DoJ alleges Kazeem engaged in a sham marriage and concealed his crimes, making him ineligible for US citizenship.
