Two Nigerians jailed in Ireland over €6.17m global fraud network

Two Nigerian nationals living in Ireland have been handed prison sentences totalling more than 16 years for their involvement in what authorities described as a “highly sophisticated, global money laundering scheme”.

The arrest and prosecution of Francis Ogbuefi, 42, and Steven Silvester, 32, followed an extensive investigation carried out by the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE) reports.

Ogbuefi, who resides on Clonard Road in Crumlin, Dublin, received a nine-year sentence, while Silvester, from The Paddocks in Morristown, Newbridge, County Kildare, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.

Prosecutors alleged that both men travelled from Nigeria to Ireland to participate in organised fraud operations, with the total value of scams tied to the case estimated at €6.17m.

Although the defendants denied the allegations, a jury found them guilty after a trial held last month.

Court records cited by RTE showed that over €6m was fraudulently obtained and laundered through multiple schemes, including romance scams and smishing, with funds routed through numerous bank accounts.

Investigators said the pair managed and supervised accounts used to receive illegal proceeds, responding to requests from various parts of the world—many associated with Nigerian phone numbers—for accounts to facilitate fraudulent transactions.

Data retrieved from Ogbuefi’s phone reportedly contained detailed instructions, including job roles, transaction volumes, and account specifications. He was also said to have directed that accounts be opened using Irish identities to reduce suspicion.

Prosecutors described him as a central point of contact for collaborators operating outside Ireland.

Authorities also uncovered a nine-minute tutorial video explaining how to execute the fraud, along with images that allegedly showed Ogbuefi coordinating transactions and supervising activities within the network. He was said to have taken a 20 per cent share of the proceeds and claimed significant experience in the operation.

Further findings indicated that Ogbuefi entered Ireland as a student, while Silvester had previously lived in direct provision before becoming transient.

Presiding judge Martin Nolan reportedly characterised the scheme as intricate, noting that such laundering operations depend heavily on access to bank accounts. He observed that both men had a deep understanding of banking systems and frequently tested their weaknesses.

Despite the difficulty in uncovering the crimes, the judge praised investigators for diligently following leads and presenting strong evidence in court.

He also noted that the convicted men had no prior criminal history and were viewed favourably by their families, describing them as intelligent individuals with the potential for rehabilitation.

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