Marcus Chukwuemeka Unigwe/Nigeria/Conspiracy to Operate a Unlawful Money Transmitting Business

Marcus Chukwuemeka Unigwe, a citizen of Nigeria, was arrested by ERO New Orleans following his federal conviction for conspiracy to operate an unlawful money transmitting business. According to court documents, Unigwe participated in a scheme involving the illegal movement of funds through unlicensed financial channels, bypassing regulations and federal oversight. His actions contributed to the transfer of nearly one million dollars through illicit means, evading required registration and compliance protocols for money services businesses.

Unigwe was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to pay restitution totaling $947,200. Authorities confirmed that the case involved complex financial activity designed to mask the origins of funds and avoid regulatory detection. Unigwe’s conviction highlights a growing focus on international financial crimes and illegal remittance systems operated by individuals unlawfully present in the United States or with unlawful business operations.

Following his incarceration, Unigwe was transferred into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for further immigration proceedings. As a convicted felon and foreign national with a serious financial crime on record, he now faces removal from the United States. ICE officials placed an immigration detainer on Unigwe during his criminal case to ensure his transfer following release from Bureau of Prisons custody.