Akinade Adedeji Raheem, a 43-year-old Nigerian, has been extradited from Benin to the United States to face federal prosecution over an alleged $100 million tax refund fraud scheme. Raheem is accused of masterminding a network that allegedly stole the identities of hundreds of taxpayers, filed more than 300 fraudulent tax returns from 2018 to 2023, and sought refunds exceeding $100 million. Federal investigators say Raheem and his alleged accomplice, Abayomi Quadri Eletu, 42, used stolen personal data, including names, residential addresses, and Social Security numbers, to prepare fraudulent electronic tax filings. Prosecutors allege the scheme also involved changing taxpayers’ registered addresses and submitting change-of-address requests to the US Postal Service to redirect verification letters and help the suspects impersonate taxpayers. The alleged refunds were reportedly routed to prepaid debit cards controlled by members of the conspiracy. Investigators also allege a money-laundering operation that converted illicit proceeds into luxury merchandise and second-hand vehicles shipped to Nigeria. They say prepaid debit cards were used to buy money orders in smaller amounts, which were then used to purchase vehicles from American automobile auction platforms before some were shipped abroad. The case drew attention after prosecutors described Raheem’s attempt to evade arrest in Atlanta in April 2026. Agents reportedly approached his home and communicated through a video doorbell with a man who identified himself as Raheem, who told them he was not at home. Investigators say Raheem then booked a flight from Mexico City to Benin, arriving on April 15, 2026, where local authorities arrested him after an INTERPOL Red Notice. Raheem appeared in federal court in Atlanta on October 26, 2026, and was remanded in the custody of the US Marshals Service pending further proceedings. Prosecutors say he faces 30 federal charges.