Cary Man Sentenced in Nationwide Identity Theft Scheme Tied to $650K in Fraud
NEW BERN, N.C. – A Cary man has been sentenced to more than five years in federal prison for orchestrating a complex, multi-state identity theft and fraud scheme that targeted victims across the United States and racked up over $650,000 in attempted losses.
Ibrahim Abiodun Aderounmu, 27, was sentenced on Tuesday (April 8) to 61 months in prison for access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. He previously pled guilty on November 4, 2024, and has been ordered to pay $536,782 in restitution to his victims.
Credit Card Fraud Scheme Targeted Chase Bank
According to court documents, between 2020 and 2022, Aderounmu used stolen personal identifying information (PII) to submit hundreds of fraudulent applications for Chase Bank business credit cards.
- If approved, the cards were mailed directly to his apartment in Cary.
- He then made both online and in-store purchases using the cards.
Search Reveals Massive Cache of Access Devices
A search warrant executed at Aderounmu’s residence led to the discovery of:
- Over 400 access devices, including Unemployment Insurance benefit debit cards
- Victim information linked to fraudulent activity in North Carolina, California, Nevada, and Arizona
- Surveillance footage showing Aderounmu withdrawing funds at ATMs in Raleigh, Cary, and other locations
Unemployment & USAA Bank Account Schemes
The investigation found that Aderounmu also:
- Fraudulently applied for unemployment insurance benefits using victim PII
- Had the funds loaded onto debit cards mailed to addresses under his control
- Used USAA bank accounts, opened with victim PII and funded through fraudulent check deposits, to withdraw additional funds from ATMs
Federal Agencies Lead Investigation
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement following sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuted the case.
Case No. 5:24-CR-222-FL
Court documents are available via the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or PACER.