Hushpuppi’s friend, Woodberry, pleads guilty, forfeits Dubai assets, $8m

Suspected Internet fraudster, Olalekan Jacob Ponle, better known as Mr Woodberry, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud.

Woodberry agreed to surrender $8 million in proceeds of wire fraud and he also, agreed to forfeit his luxury cars and watches to the foreign government.

Mr Woodberry, a close associate of the now-imprisoned internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, was charged with wire fraud conspiracy following his arrest in the United Arab Emirates in June 2020 and subsequent extradition to the US, the Peoples Gazette reports.

“He was accused of tricking American companies into sending wire transfers worth millions of dollars. Woodberry allegedly targeted firms in California, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan and New York, according to prosecutors.

According to his plea agreement, he is required to pay back the sum of $8 million he fraudulently received from the seven companies that fell for his scam.

“Defendant understands that by pleading guilty, he will subject to forfeiture to the United States all right, title, and interest that he has in any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the offence,” stated the document containing Mr Ponle’s signed plea declaration.

“Mr Ponle was also asked to waive his rights to the luxury cars, and designer watches he had stashed in Dubai.
The high-end automobiles include Rolls Royce Cullinan with vehicle no J9153, Lamborghini Urus (N4973) and Mercedes-Benz G-class (G68816).

“Other items seized are four Rolex watches, one Patek Philippe watch, three Audemars Piguet watches, three gold and diamond-studded earrings, and six gold neck chains.

Last year, he forfeited 151.8 Bitcoin to the American government.”

Chinyere Treasure Mbadiwe
Chinyere Treasure Mbadiwehttp://wakadaily.com
Chinyere Treasure Mbadiwe is the Co-founder and CEO of Wakadaily News. With a B.Sc. in Business Administration from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), she brings a wealth of leadership and strategic expertise to the platform. Chinyere is passionate about delivering high-quality, engaging news that informs and empowers audiences. Her vision for Wakadaily is to create a space where reliable, diverse, and impactful content connects people and fosters informed conversations.

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