Crimes

Hushpuppi’s ally, Woodberry, faces 14 years jail term over $8m scam

Popular internet fraudster, Olalekan Jacob Ponle, well known as Woodberry, is set to face a 14-year jail term over an $8 million scam in the United States.

Woodberry, who is an associate of the now-imprisoned internet fraudster, Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi, had, in April 2023, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in the United States.

He also agreed to forfeit $8 million in proceeds of wire fraud to the U.S. government.

According to reports, the U.S. Federal prosecutors told the judge to sentence Woodberry to 14 years imprisonment for defrauding multiple companies in the country.

The prosecutors said: “The government recommends that this court sentence the defendant to 168 months’ imprisonment, which is sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to comply with the purposes set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a).

“The government further recommends that the court order restitution and forfeiture as described above and impose a special assessment of $100.”

Woodberry was also asked to waive his rights to the luxury cars, and designer watches he had stashed in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The cars included Rolls Royce Cullinan with vehicle no J9153, Lamborghini Urus (N4973), and Mercedes-Benz G-class (G68816).

Other items seized were four Rolex watches, one Patek Philippe watch, three Audemars Piguet watches, three gold and diamond-studded earrings, and six gold neck chains.

The Star