A Nigerian man living in Pennsylvania, Adepoju Babatunde Salako, has been sentenced to 18 months in U.S. federal prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud tied to a 2022 scheme involving Alaska’s Permanent Fund Dividend payments. The case marks another prosecution in the U.S. government’s crackdown on pandemic-era and state benefit fraud.
Court documents show Salako admitted to participating in a plot to fraudulently obtain Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend checks, annual payments made to eligible state residents from oil revenue. Investigators said the scheme relied on false claims and misrepresentation to divert funds meant for legitimate Alaskan residents.
Wire fraud charges were filed after authorities traced electronic transfers and communications linked to the fraudulent applications. Prosecutors argued that the offense undermined a program designed to support Alaskans and that Salako’s actions contributed to financial losses for the state.
In reaching a plea agreement, Salako admitted his role in the scheme and accepted responsibility before the court. The 18-month sentence reflects both the seriousness of the fraud and the defendant’s cooperation during the investigation, according to court records.
U.S. authorities have intensified efforts to identify and prosecute individuals who exploited COVID-19 relief programs and state benefit systems. The Alaska Permanent Fund, which distributes yearly dividends to residents, has been a target for organized fraud rings using stolen identities and false addresses.
Salako’s sentencing serves as a warning to others attempting to game state and federal benefit programs. Officials said they will continue to pursue cross-border and domestic cases involving identity theft and benefit fraud, with prison terms and restitution orders as possible outcomes.