On Tuesday, September 8, 2026, the United States government submitted a sentencing memorandum to the Honorable Paul G. Gardephe, United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, outlining the case against Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu ahead of his September 15, 2026 sentencing. The memorandum details Amachukwu’s involvement in at least two major criminal schemes that targeted victims across the United States.
The first scheme involved a broad hacking, fraud, and identity theft conspiracy. Amachukwu and his associates targeted U.S. tax preparation businesses, stealing personally identifiable information (PII) of approximately 800 customers from one firm alone. This stolen PII was then used to file fraudulent tax returns, aiming to obtain undeserved refunds, and to apply for public benefits, including Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).
Investigations revealed that fraudulent tax returns associated with this scheme sought refunds totaling at least $8.4 million, with approximately $2.5 million already disbursed. Evidence indicated Amachukwu had access to and used the conspiracy’s electronic accounts, with variations of his name appearing on stolen PII information, suggesting he was involved in using and testing the compromised data.
The second scheme, a distinct investment fraud, saw Amachukwu play a leadership role in defrauding victims of millions of dollars through fake standby letters of credit (SBLCs). Posing as a wealthy Hong Kong businessman named “So Kwan Leung,” Amachukwu lured victims into believing they were investing in legitimate international trade transactions. However, the SBLCs were for fictitious companies and deals. One victim reportedly invested over $7 million, while another lost more than $275,000. Cryptocurrency accounts controlled by Amachukwu reportedly received over $3 million in illicit funds from this scheme.
The memorandum highlights Amachukwu’s arrest in July 2023 at Charles De Gaulle International Airport in France, following a superseding indictment in July 2023 that charged him and a co-conspirator with hacking conspiracy, wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft. He was extradited to the United States in August 2025. In April 2026, Amachukwu waived indictment and pleaded guilty to a two-count superseding information, charging him with two counts of conspiracy.
The government is seeking a sentence within the Stipulated Guidelines Range of 97 to 120 months’ imprisonment, arguing it would be sufficient but not greater than necessary. This recommendation is based on the seriousness of the offenses, the need for just punishment, deterrence, and to avoid sentencing disparities.
The government notes that Amachukwu’s co-conspirator, Kingsley Uchelue Utulu, received a 63-month sentence, but argues Amachukwu’s greater culpability, including his managerial role in the investment fraud and direct interaction with victims, warrants a higher sentence.
The government contends that a lesser sentence, such as the 48 months sought by the defense, would fail to serve the ends of sentencing and would treat Amachukwu preferentially compared to similarly situated defendants.
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