Two men described by a judge as a “colonel and a major” in a global money laundering operation were sentenced to nine and seven-and-a-half years in prison respectively on Friday at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, following a trial that concluded in February. Ejike Francis Ogubefi, 42, and Steven Silvester, 32, were convicted of directing the activities of a criminal organisation, with Ogubefi facing additional convictions for 32 counts of money laundering and seven of conspiracy to money launder. Silvester was also found guilty of five counts of money laundering, two of attempted money laundering, four of conspiracy to money launder, and one count of using a false instrument.
The sentences were handed down after Judge Martin Nolan determined both men were involved in a “worldwide highly sophisticated money laundering syndicate on a breathtaking scale.” According to court proceedings, the pair operated above traditional “mule herders” and “money mules,” with Ogubefi playing a more central role in the scheme. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau investigated the case, uncovering a network that facilitated the laundering of over €6 million stolen through various scams, including romance frauds and “smishing” schemes.
The court heard that Ogubefi and Silvester were responsible for supplying and monitoring bank accounts used to deposit stolen funds. These accounts were repeatedly requested from around the world, with the majority of requests originating from Nigerian phone numbers. Evidence presented included a nine-minute instruction video found on Ogubefi’s phone detailing how to engage in the fraudulent activity. Ogubefi instructed that accounts be opened in Irish names, rather than African names, to avoid raising suspicion. Photos on his phone also depicted him overseeing the flow of money in and out of the accounts, demonstrating his control over the operation.
Judge Nolan noted the scheme’s primary objective was to secure bank accounts for the purpose of laundering illicit funds, acknowledging that the ultimate victims of the fraud were not directly involved in the court case. He emphasized the importance of deterrence in sentencing, given the prevalence and difficulty in detecting this type of money laundering. He also stated that the defendants were “reasonably experienced in how the banking system works” and exploited its vulnerabilities.
Both Ogubefi and Silvester have no prior convictions. While Judge Nolan acknowledged a “good chance” the men would not re-offend, he could not be certain, leading to the substantial prison sentences. The judge directed that any time already served by the men be credited towards their sentences.
Judge Nolan further commented on the broader issue of money laundering, stating that it is a “serious problem” and that the court frequently deals with individuals who unwittingly provide their bank details for such schemes. He underscored the necessity of bank accounts in facilitating all types of fraud, as illicit funds must ultimately “come to earth somewhere.”
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