Nigerian Citizen Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud and Money Laundering
Conspiracies, Causing Over $1.7 Million in Losses
Key Figures and Charges
- Daniyan, a 60-year-old Nigerian citizen residing in Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft.
- Oluwaseun Adekoya, a 39-year-old Nigerian citizen from Cliffside Park, New Jersey, led the conspiracies and faces charges including bank fraud conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, and nine counts of aggravated identity theft.
- Other co-conspirators, including Kani Bassie, Davon Hunter, Jermon Brooks, Christian Quivers, and Crystal Kurschner, are charged with similar offenses.
Summary of the Scheme
- Daniyan and Adekoya orchestrated a nationwide fraud operation, stealing personal identifying information (PII) from individuals across the U.S. and recruiting others to impersonate victims using fake driver’s licenses.
- The conspirators fraudulently obtained cash, checks, loans, and merchandise from financial institutions and retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue.
- They laundered proceeds by purchasing additional fake IDs and depositing stolen funds into accounts controlled by co-conspirators.
- The scheme resulted in over $1.7 million in losses and spanned multiple states, including the Northern District of New York.
Detailed Narrative
The Conspiracy Unfolds
David Daniyan, a Nigerian citizen who has lived in the U.S. under multiple aliases since the 1990s, admitted to his role in a sophisticated bank fraud and money laundering operation led by Oluwaseun Adekoya. The conspiracy involved stealing PII from victims nationwide, creating fake driver’s licenses, and using them to impersonate victims at banks and retailers. Daniyan and Adekoya recruited lower-level conspirators to carry out these fraudulent activities, which included withdrawing cash, cashing checks, and obtaining loans or merchandise on credit.
The group also laundered their illicit gains by purchasing additional fake IDs and depositing stolen funds into accounts opened under the names of identity theft victims. Daniyan acknowledged that the conspiracy netted over $1.7 million in fraudulent proceeds, with operations extending across the U.S., including the Capital Region of New York.
Law Enforcement Investigation
The investigation began in May 2022 when Daniyan, along with Gaysha Kennedy (46, Brooklyn) andVictor Barriera (64, Bronx), were arrested by the Cohoes Police Department while attempting to commit bank fraud in the Capital Region. This arrest triggered a broader probe led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI-Albany, uncovering a sprawling network of co-conspirators.
In December 2023, a superseding indictment charged Adekoya, Daniyan, and several others, includingKani Bassie, Davon Hunter, Jermon Brooks, Christian Quivers, and Crystal Kurschner , with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Additional co-conspirators, such as Sherry Ozmore, Jerjuan Joyner, Akeem Balogun, Danielle Cappetti, and Lesley Lucchese, have already pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy.
Legal Consequences and Sentencing
Daniyan faces severe penalties for his crimes. At his sentencing on July 10, 2025, he could receive up to 30 years in prison for bank fraud conspiracy, 20 years for money laundering conspiracy, and a mandatory consecutive 2-year term for aggravated identity theft.
Collaborative Law Enforcement Efforts
The case was investigated by FBI Albany, with support from FBI field offices in New York, Newark, Richmond, and other locations. Assistance was provided by numerous law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, and local police departments across multiple states. This collaborative effort highlights the extensive reach of the conspiracy and the determination of law enforcement to dismantle it.
Conclusion
The guilty plea of David Daniyan marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into this far-reaching fraud and money laundering operation. The case underscores the devastating impact of identity theft and financial fraud on victims and the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on holding all involved parties accountable and recovering stolen funds for the victims.
