Man residing in North Dakota accused of helping carry out business email scheme that cost auction company $113,050
Fargo, North Dakota – A 32-year-old man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo has appeared in federal court in North Dakota after being indicted in connection with an alleged business email compromise scheme that prosecutors say caused an auction business to lose $113,050.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas W. Chase announced that Nicolas Mondani Oleko appeared in federal court in the District of North Dakota for an arraignment following an indictment returned by a federal grand jury.
Oleko is charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. According to the indictment, Oleko was living in the District of North Dakota when he allegedly participated in and aided and abetted the fraud scheme.
Federal prosecutors allege the operation involved a business email compromise, a type of fraud in which criminals use deceptive electronic communications to convince businesses or individuals to send money to accounts controlled by the perpetrators.
In this case, authorities allege an auction business was defrauded of $113,050.
Federal officials urge businesses to verify payment changes
Alongside the announcement of the charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office warned public and private organizations to remain cautious when handling large electronic payments.
Officials are encouraging businesses and other entities to establish strict payment procedures for major transactions. They also recommend independently checking any requested changes involving a vendor’s bank account or routing information.
That verification should be made through a trusted source outside the email conversation where the requested banking change originated. Such an additional step can help businesses identify suspicious requests before money is transferred.
The federal case comes as the Department of Justice increases its focus on fraud investigations. On April 7, 2026, the department announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division, also known as the Fraud Division.
The division is tasked with investigating and prosecuting people accused of committing fraud against Americans. The broader federal effort also supports President Donald Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance, which focuses on fraud, waste and abuse involving federal benefit programs.
The FBI is investigating the case against Oleko. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Greenley is handling the prosecution.
Authorities emphasized that the indictment contains allegations and does not establish that Oleko committed the crimes. He is presumed innocent unless and until prosecutors prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
