A U.S. court on Wednesday convicted a Nigerian, Kenneth Godwin, for “wire fraud” and other crimes that may earn him 20 years in imprisonment. 

Mr Godwin was convicted for “conspiracy to commit, wire fraud, and unauthorized access to a protected computer in furtherance of fraud,” a statement by U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday stated. 

The U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal grand jury indicted Mr Godwin for his involvement in the financial crime charges slammed against him. 

“No agency on earth is better at this than the FBI,” said Mr Parsons. “They will track down those who steal from and commit fraud against the people of the United States wherever those offenders may be.”

Investigations by the Department of Justice and FBI revealed that “Between May 2023 and March 2026, Godwin, while believed to be living in Nigeria, conspired with others to embezzle funds from the Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, in order to enrich themselves.”

If found quilty, Mr Godwin could face the maximum penalty up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

He could also be ordered to pay restitution.

The FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge, Christopher D. Dotson, said “This international business e-mail compromise (BEC) scheme caused substantial financial damage to a business owned and operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota,” 

He added, “This indictment is an example of how the FBI operates every day to dismantle and disrupt criminal enterprises in Indian County and across the United States that target businesses and citizens in communities. The message is clear; we will work with our partners to hold fraudsters accountable.”