Allen Onyema, the CEO and founder of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, has been indicted for obstruction of justice. The charges stem from allegations that he submitted false documents to the government in an attempt to halt an investigation into earlier accusations of bank fraud and money laundering. Ejiroghene Eghagha, Chief of Administration and Finance at Air Peace, faces similar charges.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan stated, "After allegedly using his airline company as a cover to commit fraud on the United States’ banking system, Onyema, along with his co-defendant, allegedly committed additional crimes of fraud in a failed attempt to derail the government’s investigation of his conduct."
Robert J. Murphy from the DEA Atlanta Division emphasized the agency's commitment to addressing fraud and money laundering cases: “These cases represent the continued commitment of the Drug Enforcement Administration to identify and hold accountable those who engaged in fraud and money laundering.”
Lisa Fontanette from IRS-CI highlighted efforts to neutralize threats posed by criminal organizations: “Allegedly, Onyema and his accomplices fraudulently used the U.S. banking system in an effort to hide the source of their ill-gotten money.”
Steven N. Schrank from Homeland Security Investigations underscored the importance of integrity in justice proceedings: “The charges announced today demonstrate the criticality of diligence and truth in criminal justice proceedings.”
According to court information, between 2010 and 2018, Onyema opened several bank accounts in Atlanta where over $44.9 million was transferred from foreign sources. Starting around May 2016, he allegedly used export letters of credit to transfer more than $20 million into these accounts under false pretenses involving aircraft purchases.
The supporting documents were reportedly fake; Springfield Aviation Company LLC was owned by Onyema but never owned any aircraft. Eghagha is accused of directing fraudulent activities related to these transactions.
In May 2019, upon learning about an investigation into bank fraud against him in Georgia, Onyema allegedly attempted further deceit by presenting falsely dated documents through his attorneys.
Onyema and Eghagha face multiple charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud and credit application fraud among others. They were recently charged with obstruction-related offenses as well.
The case involves several federal agencies including DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations among others under OCDETF operation which aims at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening U.S security.
Members are reminded that indictments only contain charges; defendants remain innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
For more details contact U.S Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website provided above.