Hushpuppi’s Ally, Woodberry, Pleads Guilty To Internet Fraud, Forfeits $8m, Others

Serial Internet fraudster and Hushpuppi’s associate, Olalekan Jacob Ponle, known as Woodberry, has pleaded guilty to internet fraud.

Woodberry had pleaded not guilty at first to the eight-count fraud charge brought against him for engaging in a scheme known as business email compromise (BEC).

However, a plea declaration submitted at the United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division on April 6 revealed Woodberry has had a rethink and has now pleaded guilty to count one of the indictments.

According to his plea agreement, he was required to repay the $8 million he fraudulently received from the seven companies that fell for his scam.

Woodberry by implication understands that by pleading guilty, he will subject to forfeiture to the United States all right, title, and interest that he has in any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the offence, stated the document containing Ponle’s signed plea declaration.

U.S authorities also demanded he forfeits all his luxury cars, and designer watches stashed in Dubai, UAE.

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

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

Last year, he had forfeited 151.8 Bitcoin, roughly $6 million, to the American government, determined to recover all stolen monies from the Nigerian fraudster.

Ponle was arrested in Dubai on June 10, 2020, alongside Hushpuppi currently serving an 11-year sentence for a similar fraud charge.