NCJ Number
142359
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: (Spring 1993) Pages: 59-73
Date Published
1993
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article describes the activities of Nigerian crime networks in the United States and then suggests some etiological origins of these activities.
Abstract
The data and information on Nigerian crime networks in the United States were obtained from reports issued by government agencies, including U.S. Senate subcommittee hearings and law enforcement agencies. The clearest and most concise picture of Nigerian crime network activity is found in the staff statement issued by the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by William Roth. This subcommittee identified three elements of the crime network. The most common element is the individual who learns how to commit fraud from another Nigerian, sometimes for a fee. The New Jersey Commission of Investigation identifies the false identification card as the common denominator in all Nigerian fraud schemes. Some activities of Nigerian crime networks are check kiting, check forgery, bank fraud through fraudulent loans, bank and credit card companies fraud through fraudulently obtained credit cards, vehicle theft through bank fraud, insurance fraud, and food stamp fraud. The etiological roots of Nigerian crime network activity originate in Nigeria, where a climate of corruption exists throughout governmental and business-related activities. The problem of Nigerian crime networks in the United States must be addressed at its source -- Nigeria. 40 references