Two Nigerian nationals based in Ireland, Francis Ogbuefi, 42, and Steven Silvester, 32, have been sentenced to a combined 16 and a half years in prison for their involvement in a sophisticated global fraud and money laundering scheme.
The convictions followed a trial concluded in March 2026, with sentencing delivered shortly after, according to reports by Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTE). The duo was arrested and prosecuted after an extensive investigation by Ireland’s Garda National Economic Crime Bureau.
Ogbuefi, a resident of Clonard Road, Crumlin, Dublin, was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment, while Silvester, of The Paddocks, Morristown, Newbridge, County Kildare, received a seven-and-a-half-year sentence.
The court heard that the pair allegedly travelled from Nigeria to Ireland to engage in organised fraud. The total value of the scam linked to the case was estimated at €6.17 million.
Although both men denied the charges, they were found guilty by a jury after trial proceedings revealed that over €6 million had been stolen and laundered through various schemes, including romance fraud and smishing. The illicit funds were moved across multiple bank accounts.
Investigations showed that the two men coordinated the creation and monitoring of bank accounts used to receive fraudulent proceeds. Evidence presented in court indicated they received requests from across the world—many linked to Nigerian phone numbers—seeking accounts for illegal transactions.
Data recovered from Ogbuefi’s phone reportedly contained detailed information on transaction volumes, account requirements, and operational instructions. He was also said to have directed that accounts be opened using Irish identities to avoid suspicion.
Prosecutors described Ogbuefi as a key contact for collaborators outside Ireland. A nine-minute instructional video on executing the fraud was also found on his device, alongside images suggesting he supervised transactions and coordinated group activities. He reportedly took a 20 per cent share of the proceeds and claimed significant experience in the scheme.
Further findings revealed that Ogbuefi entered Ireland as a student, while Silvester had previously lived in direct provision before becoming transient.
Presiding judge Martin Nolan described the operation as complex, noting that such networks rely heavily on access to bank accounts and a strong understanding of financial systems. He commended investigators for their thorough work in uncovering the scheme.
Despite the convictions, the judge noted that both men had no prior criminal records and were regarded positively by their families, describing them as intelligent individuals capable of reform.
The case adds to a growing number of fraud-related prosecutions involving Nigerians abroad.
