Farouk Adekunle Adepoju was arrested in the UK following a US indictment for wire and computer fraud involving a $235,000 cyber scam targeting a university.

Farouk Adekunle Adepoju has been arrested in the United Kingdom after a dramatic indictment from the United States government over a sophisticated cyber fraud case.

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Adepoju is accused of hacking into a Pennsylvania construction company’s email system, impersonating staff, and orchestrating a scam that diverted payments worth over \$235,000.

The US Department of Justice revealed that Adepoju, a Nigerian national, faces seven charges, including six counts of wire fraud and one count of computer fraud. Between March and April 2023, he allegedly gained unauthorised access to a protected computer and manipulated email systems to send fraudulent payment instructions to a university, resulting in a significant financial loss.

Acting US Attorney Troy Rivetti emphasised the seriousness of the crime, stating that Adepoju used “sophisticated cyber means to illegally access accounts and victimise a university.”

The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office led the investigation, highlighting the relentless global reach of US law enforcement in pursuing cybercriminals.

Despite being thousands of miles away, Adepoju’s arrest underscores how international cooperation can bring perpetrators to justice.

The suspect is now awaiting extradition to the United States, where he will face prosecution.

Authorities reminded the public that an indictment is only an accusation, and Adepoju is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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However, the case serves as a powerful reminder of the growing threat of cybercrime and the commitment of global agencies to tackle it head-on.