Career Criminal Busted for Laundering £41K and Peddling Crack & Cannabis
Dan Aiyegbusi, 23, from Leicester, has finally been nailed by the Met’s Cyber Crime Unit after a years-long hunt. The self-confessed career criminal admitted to never working a day in his life and colluding with organised UK and international hackers to launder stolen cash. He was sentenced today (Tuesday, 28 January) at Southwark Crown Court.
Cyber Scam Kingpin & Drug Dealer Rolled Into One
- Aiyegbusi pleaded guilty to five counts of money laundering totalling £41,150.
- He also admitted possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (crack cocaine) and Class B drugs (cannabis).
- Previously found not guilty of laundering £2.16 million following a trial in 2019.
The 23-year-old was first caught with 49 rocks of crack cocaine by Essex Police. While in custody, Met officers uncovered a trove of mobile phones revealing his role in UK county lines drug supply.
Facebook Fraudster’s Online Hustle Exposed
The court heard Aiyegbusi used the fake Facebook profile “Miyuwa Oluwafemi” to advertise compromised online bank accounts, often acquired through cyber tricks like phishing. Posts promoted cashing out fraudulently stolen funds, flaunting videos of wads of cash, luxury watches, and flashy cars.
His social media profile solicited bank accounts and credit cards from accomplices, who acted as “mules” to launder stolen money. Intelligence from the Cyber Defence Alliance helped the Met launch “Operation Katoko” — a covert sting that tracked victims and gathered damning evidence.
Operation Katoko: Partners Unite to Nab Criminal
- Partnerships with TSB and Barclays critical in identifying nine victims between 2017 and 2019.
- Hundreds more potential victims nationwide suspected.
- Aiyegbusi arrested in Luton, June 2019, with drugs and incriminating devices found.
He was hit with multiple charges including eight counts of money laundering, as well as possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs.
Detective Inspector Philip McInerney, Met Cyber Crime Unit: “Aiyegbusi didn’t have a care in the world as he stole people’s hard-earned cash and flaunted it on social media to boost his ego.”
“He admitted never working a day in his life, instead pocketing huge sums from large-scale UK banking fraud.”
“Thanks to our banking partners and the Cyber Defence Alliance for their vital help.”
An 80-year-old victim shared her ordeal: “I was so pleased to hear the good news. It caused me and my husband a lot of stress. I received constant calls from scammers pretending to be a telephone company. I’ve been scared to answer the phone since.”
Barclays spokesperson: “We continue to support law enforcement to fight crime and protect customers’ funds. We worked closely with the Met and welcome the outcome.”
Steve Wilson, CEO of Cyber Defence Alliance: “Operation Katoko shows how industry and police collaboration can stop organised cyber crime and money muling. We helped provide intelligence leading to the arrest of this brazen criminal.”
Ashley Hart, TSB Head of Fraud: “We’re proud to work with the Met to remove dangerous fraudsters from the streets. We’ll keep using every weapon in our arsenal to stop fraudsters and protect customers.”
