By Christian George
Hushpuppi’s right-hand man, Olalekan Jacob Ponle, popularly known as Woodberry has pleaded guilty to the eight-count fraud charge brought against him for engaging in a scheme known as business email compromise.
Woodberry who was arrested in Dubai, on June 10, 2020, together with Ramon Hushpuppi Abbas who is currently serving an 11-year sentence for a similar fraud charge, entered a plea of guilt with the U.S. authorities.
A plea declaration submitted at the United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division on April 6 revealed that, according to Pa MNews report, Mr Woodberry had had a rethink and is now pleading guilty to count one of the indictments.
“Defendant 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 Mr Ponle’s signed plea declaration.”
Woodberry has agreed to surrender $8 million in proceeds of wire fraud.
He was also asked to waive his rights to the luxury cars including Rolls Royce Cullinan with vehicle no J9153, Lamborghini Urus (N4973), and Mercedes-Benz G-class (G68816).
Also, were his designer watches he had stashed in Dubai including four Rolex watches, one Patek Philippe watch, three Audemars Piguet watches, three gold and diamond-studded earrings, and six gold neck chains.
It could be recalled that he had forfeited 151.8 Bitcoin, roughly $6 million, to the American government last year as authorities have determined to recover all stolen monies from the Nigerian fraudster.
