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Oladapo Fadugba, a Nigerian-born United States citizen, has been accused of orchestrating a $690,000 fraud scheme involving Department of Veterans Affairs funds and lying during his citizenship application.
The charges, if proven, could land him behind bars for up to 27 years.
According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Fadugba allegedly diverted more than $690,000 in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funds between October 2020 and July 2023.
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The funds, intended as reimbursements to a major local healthcare provider, were allegedly rerouted into Fadugba’s personal bank accounts.
Prosecutors allege that Fadugba used another person’s identity to facilitate the transfers, writing cheques either to himself or businesses linked to him, and moving the money into multiple accounts under his control.
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In addition to the fraud allegations, the indictment claims that Fadugba made false statements under oath during his naturalization process by denying involvement in any crimes, despite his alleged fraudulent activities.
The U.S. government is also seeking a forfeiture order of approximately $400,000, representing a portion of the proceeds from the alleged crimes.
Authorities stress that an indictment is only a formal accusation, and Fadugba remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
