Maryland Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Leading Multi-Million Dollar Money Laundering Conspiracy

Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge has sentenced a Maryland man to eight years in prison for his leadership role in a conspiracy that laundered over $20 million in fraudulent proceeds. Adanegbe “Gift” Osemwenkhae, 41, of Upper Marlboro, was also ordered to serve one year of supervised release and pay more than $20.8 million in restitution. In April, Osemwenkhae pleaded guilty to managing and supervising the extensive money laundering operation, which involved multiple individuals and spanned from 2020 until February 2024.

The scheme aimed to conceal the origin and nature of funds obtained through large-scale wire fraud. Court documents reveal that Osemwenkhae utilized and controlled various encrypted communication channels to direct co-conspirators. His responsibilities included orchestrating the creation of shell companies, opening and managing bank accounts under these fictitious entities, and facilitating the flow of fraudulent proceeds through these accounts. He also played a key role in distributing payments to other members of the conspiracy based on their involvement.

The investigation, a joint effort involving Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG), is part of the broader initiative to combat fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has charged a total of 14 defendants in connection with this money laundering conspiracy, with 13 of them having already pleaded guilty and received federal prison sentences. One defendant, Faizou Gnora, who was previously of Alexandria, Virginia, is currently a fugitive. The prosecution of this case was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.

The money laundered by Osemwenkhae’s operation originated from at least 15 different victims. These victims represent a diverse range of entities, including government agencies, organizations, and private companies. The fraudulent proceeds were siphoned from institutions such as an environmental trust, an urban redevelopment program, a medical center, a transportation and logistics company, a school district, a college, and a county government, among others. This case underscores the extensive reach and damaging impact of financial fraud schemes.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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