U.S. Justice Department files denaturalization case against Nigerian-born convict over massive identity theft and tax fraud scheme
The United States Department of Justice has initiated legal proceedings to revoke the citizenship of a Nigerian-born man convicted in a multi-million dollar tax fraud scheme.
The individual, Emmanuel Oluwatosin Kazeem, was previously convicted for orchestrating a large-scale identity theft and tax fraud operation that targeted hundreds of thousands of victims across the United States.
According to court filings, the U.S. government argues that Kazeem fraudulently obtained his citizenship by concealing criminal activities and engaging in immigration-related deception. Authorities are now seeking to strip him of his naturalized status through a civil denaturalization process.
Officials say the move aligns with a broader crackdown on individuals who unlawfully obtained U.S. citizenship, a policy direction that gained attention during the administration of .
Kazeem was convicted in 2017 on multiple counts, including mail fraud, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors revealed that he led a complex network that stole personal data from over 259,000 victims.
The syndicate used the stolen identities to file thousands of fraudulent tax returns between 2012 and 2015, seeking more than $91 million in tax refunds. Investigators confirmed that at least $11.6 million was successfully obtained.
Authorities also disclosed that the operation involved international links, including the purchase of stolen identities from foreign hackers and the transfer of illicit funds across borders.
If the court rules in favor of the U.S. government, Kazeem could lose his American citizenship and face deportation after completing any remaining legal obligations.
