CHICAGO — A man with ties to Chicago is now one of Wisconsin’s Most Wanted after federal authorities revealed he orchestrated an elaborate wire fraud scheme using fake businesses, stolen identities, and bank accounts across state lines.
Obumneme Okpara, 26, was indicted on wire fraud charges after allegedly impersonating a legitimate company and tricking another business into transferring $69,000 into a bank account located in Fox Point, Wisconsin, according to the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
Accused Used Chicago as Base for Elaborate Scam
Federal investigators believe Okpara operated out of Chicago, while utilizing fake California business names and Wisconsin financial institutions to carry out the fraud.
“He was in Chicago using fake businesses in California and using bank accounts in Wisconsin,” a U.S. Marshal involved in the case told FOX6 News.
Fraud Scheme Led to Major Losses for Victims
The charges stem from a 2019 federal indictment. Authorities say Okpara sent deceptive emails to a company, pretending to represent another legitimate business. This manipulation resulted in the transfer of tens of thousands of dollars — money that was never recovered.
“This is a non-violent offense, but you’re taking a lot of money — sometimes people’s life savings,” the Marshal added.
Disappeared After Court Appearances
Okpara appeared in court a few times following the charges, but stopped attending in 2021. Since then, he’s been on the run. Marshals believe he may still be in Chicago or Milwaukee, but he could also be as far away as Nigeria, where he’s originally from.
He is known to use aliases, including “Hindi Musu” and “Stephen Ramota”.
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Public Urged to Help Locate Him
Okpara is described as 6’3” tall, weighing around 160 pounds. Authorities urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the U.S. Marshals tip line at 414-297-3707. Tips can be submitted anonymously.
Have you seen Obumneme Okpara or know someone impacted by scams like this? Share your experience with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and help spread awareness of financial fraud targeting our communities.
