Hushpuppi’s Ally Woodberry Accept Accusation, Return $8M to Victims, Forfeit Dubai Assets
Olalekan Jacob Ponle, also known as Mr. Woodberry, a convicted online fraudster, and the US government reached a plea agreement in which he has agreed to give up his luxury automobiles, watches, and $8 million in wire fraud proceeds.
After being apprehended in the United Arab Emirates in 2020 and being returned to the US, Woodberry was indicted with conspiracy to conduct wire fraud.
He allegedly used a business email compromise technique to trick American companies into sending millions of dollars.
Ponle first entered a not guilty plea to eight accusations. According to a plea declaration made to the US District Court, he later changed his mind and entered a guilty plea to the first count of the indictments. He must pay back the $8 million to the seven businesses he cheated as part of the plea agreement.
The document including Ponle’s signed plea declaration stated, “Defendant understands that by pleading guilty, he will subject to forfeiture to the United States all right, title, and interest that he has in any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the offence.”
The court also ordered Mr. Woodberry to give up possession of the expensive watches and opulent cars he bought and kept in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
A Rolls Royce Cullinan with the VIN J9153, a Lamborghini Urus with the license plate N4973, and a Mercedes-Benz G-class with the registration G68816 make up the collection of expensive cars that will be forfeited.
In addition, the authorities seized 1 Patek Philippe watch, 3 Audemars Piguet watches, and 4 Rolex watches from him, 3 gold and diamond-studded earrings and 6 gold neck chains are also among the things that were taken.
