The U.S. Department of Labour has named Nigeria’s Onoriode Ezewu among 16 fraudsters on its “first-ever Most Wanted List” for stealing from the American government.

On Wednesday, the department announced its first-ever ‘Most Wanted List’ in pursuit of 16 fugitives accused of stealing more than $55 million from American taxpayers.

Mr Ezewu, 39, who is believed to be residing in Nigeria, is wanted for stealing about $1 million and fleeing the U.S. 

In January 2021, Mr Ezewu was charged with 15 counts of money-laundering concealment tied to fraudulent UI and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims filed using stolen identities, in a scheme exceeding $1 million that also touched SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan programme. 

After his arrest and initial trial appearance, Mr Ezewu became a wanted fugitive after violating the conditions of his pre-trial release. 

“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. 

“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,” Anthony D’Esposito, the department’s inspector-general.