Two men who were central figures in a $50 million, coast-to-coast identity theft ring received lengthy prison sentences on Monday, Aug. 13.
Julian Okeayainneh, 44, of Colton, Calif., received 27 years for his leading role in the scam, which was first uncovered during a routine arrest at Southdale Mall in Edina.
Olugbenga Adeniran, 36, of New York, received a 24-year-sentence for crimes that led to his conviction — along with Okeayainneh — back in February.
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The scam involved immigrants from African countries, including bank employees who fed customers’ identity information to co-conspirators. The financial institutions that were hit included American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, JP Morgan Chase Bank, TCF Bank, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo.
After the sentencings, Minnesota U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones said the prison terms from U.S. District Judge Michael Davis in Minneapolis “send a clear message to those identity thieves and fraudsters who conspire with dishonest bank employees to wreak havoc on the personal finances of innocent customers.”
To date, 27 defendants have been found guilty or pleaded guilty in the case; more are scheduled to be sentenced in coming days.
John Welbes can be reached at 651-228-2175.
