Criminal Leader Behind $4M Money Laundering Scheme Sentenced to 7 Years in Prison
A man who orchestrated a massive money laundering scheme that defrauded the city of Lexington out of nearly $4 million has been sentenced to seven years in prison. Nana Kwabena Amuah, a 30-year-old native of Ghana, pleaded guilty to federal charges of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Initially facing an additional charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, Amuah entered into a plea agreement that resulted in the dismissal of the wire fraud charge. He was indicted in January and recently received his sentence.
In addition to the prison term, Amuah has been ordered to pay over $4.7 million in restitution. He was identified as the leader of a group of five co-conspirators who targeted approximately 70 business and municipal entities across the United States that were owed payments by unrelated parties. Court documents revealed that the group would pose as vendors in emails sent to these entities, instructing them to make wire payments to a new bank account registered under the name Gretson Company LLC. The conspirators made various attempts to swiftly move the funds elsewhere through different payment methods.
The scheme reached its peak in August 2022 when the co-conspirators impersonated the Community Action Council in an email sent to the city of Lexington. The fraudulent email convinced a city official to wire money intended for a non-profit organization to an account at Truist Bank, which belonged to the criminals. Fortunately, Truist Bank and Lexington were able to recover all the city’s money that had been transmitted.
The impact of the scheme on the victims was devastating, resulting in enormous financial losses and, in some cases, the closure of businesses. One victim stated that they had to sell off inventory and pay remaining debts out of personal accounts due to the crime. The wire transfer fraud not only affected the victims financially but also had significant emotional and professional consequences.
During sentencing, prosecutor Kathryn Dieruf emphasized the severe harm caused by the crime, stating that it deprived businesses of their operating funds and negatively impacted the lives of those who owned and operated them. Dieruf characterized the scheme as more than just a simple act of theft, describing it as a full-fledged criminal enterprise. She highlighted the fact that the city of Lexington lost $4 million that was intended for housing assistance, placing an additional burden on taxpayers and those in need of housing.
Amuah’s attorney, William Butler, acknowledged in a brief sentencing memo that the city of Lexington did not suffer any financial loss since the money was never withdrawn. Butler also highlighted that Amuah had taken responsibility for his actions and expressed remorse.
While sentencing Amuah, Judge Karen Caldwell acknowledged his limited criminal history but stressed the seriousness of the crimes committed. She noted that the internet allows individuals to participate in fraud without fully comprehending the impact on the victims.
Two other defendants have also been prosecuted in federal court in Kentucky for their involvement in the fraud scheme. Shimea Maret McDonald pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated theft, while Jean Mejia-Garcia was recently indicted for conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft.
The prosecutor, Dieruf, expressed her intention to bring additional indictments against other individuals involved in the criminal activities. Authorities continue their efforts to apprehend and prosecute all those responsible for this extensive money laundering scheme.
