Skip to main content
Press Release

Bloomington Man Indicted For Using Stolen Identities In Conspiracy To Defraud The Irs Out Of $1.8 Million

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Minnesota
Ayotomide Ajifowobaje filed at least 200 fraudulent tax returns


United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the indictment of AYOTOMIDE AJIFOWOBAJE, 28, for using the stolen identities of hundreds of victims to file false tax returns throughout the United States. AJIFOWOBAJE is charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States, aggravated identity theft, and wire fraud. The defendant made an initial appearance following the filing of a criminal complaint on February 18, 2015, in United States District Court in St. Paul, Minn.

“This defendant is charged with stealing the identities of more than 200 victims to file false tax returns seeking nearly $2 million in fraudulent tax refunds,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle E. Jones. “Working with our colleagues at IRS-CI, we will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who victimize others and steal from the public fisc.”

“Today's indictment of Ayotomide Ajifowobaje highlights how seriously IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Attorney's Office take the issue of identity theft,” said Special Agent in Charge Shea Jones of the St. Paul Field Office IRS Criminal Investigation. “We will continue to investigate those who prey on innocent American taxpayers who steal their identities and file false tax returns. IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

According to the indictment and documents filed in court, between at least May 20, 2014, and February 17, 2015, AJIFOWOBAJE purchased stolen personal identifying information, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and social security numbers, of hundreds of individuals. Using the stolen identities of these victims, the defendant electronically filed tax returns containing false information. For the purpose of collecting the refunds from the IRS, AJIFOWOBAJE purchased debit cards and activated them using the same stolen identities that he used to file false tax returns.

According to the indictment and documents filed in court, in an effort to conceal his identity from law enforcement, AJIFOWOBAJE and his co-conspirators filed some of the false tax returns from hotels using free WiFi.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle E. Jones.


Defendant Information:

AYOTOMIDE AJIFOWOBAJE, 28
Bloomington, Minn.

Charges:
• Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, 1 count
• Wire Fraud, 18 counts
• Aggravated Identity Theft, 6 counts


The charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

 

Updated April 30, 2015