Nigerian on US Labour’s inaugural Most Wanted list over $1m pandemic fraud

A Nigerian man, Onoriode Ezewu, has been placed on the United States Department of Labour’s first-ever Most Wanted List for allegedly laundering more than $1 million linked to fraudulent unemployment benefits and pandemic-era loans.

The Department of Labour’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) unveiled the list on Wednesday, naming 16 fugitives accused of offences including money laundering, identity theft, unemployment insurance fraud, labour trafficking, healthcare fraud and related crimes. The cases together involve more than $55 million allegedly taken from American taxpayers.

Ezewu is wanted specifically for concealment money laundering. According to his official profile on the OIG website, he was charged in January 2021 with 15 counts tied to fraudulent Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims filed using stolen identities. The scheme exceeded $1 million and also involved the US Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan programme, which provided emergency support to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Authorities say Ezewu was arrested and made an initial court appearance but later violated the conditions of his pre-trial release. An arrest warrant was subsequently issued. He is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing about 202 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Records list a date of birth of 24 October 1987 and Nigeria as his place of birth. The OIG states he is believed to be residing in Nigeria. The case is being handled by the Atlanta field office.

Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito announced the list as part of a broader push against fraud. “President Trump and Vice President Vance have unleashed a whole-of-government war on fraud. Today we are introducing our first-ever Most Wanted List, targeting 16 fraudsters who stole more than $55 million from hardworking American taxpayers,” he said. “In partnership with the White House Fraud Task Force, we are using every resource possible and will not stop until every one of these criminals is in handcuffs and every stolen dollar is accounted for. No more excuses. No more hiding. The hunt is on.”

The initiative is designed to enlist the public, media, online platforms and international partners in locating the fugitives. One person already on the list, Leslie Kaciban, was arrested in Hungary in connection with an alleged labour racketeering scheme involving roughly $4 million in illegal kickbacks and is awaiting extradition to the United States.

ADVERTISEMENT

The OIG urged anyone with information about suspected wrongdoing involving its programmes to contact the hotline at 1-800-347-3756 or through its official channels.

Ezewu’s inclusion highlights continued US efforts to pursue individuals accused of exploiting COVID-19 relief programmes, many of whom have fled overseas. Nigerian media reports of the listing have drawn public attention, with the Inspector General himself noting coverage in Nigerian newspapers.