A Guy from Maryland pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to challenge federal cable fraud after the government said he participated in a scheme that attempted to sell COVID-19 vaccines.
Odunayo Oluwalade, a 25-year-old from Windsor Mill, Maryland, faces up to 20 years in the federal government after pleading guilty Friday, according to the U. S. Department of Justice. He and two other men were arrested in February for their involvement in the fraud, which referred to running as Moderna and promoting COVID-19 vaccines.
The program consisted of the creation by the group of the “Modernatx. shop”, similar to the genuine domian of the corporate “Modernatx. com”. It also included the use of corporate logos, colors and trademarks.
While Moderna’s actual online page lists how other people can receive the vaccine, the fake online page included a link that said, “I should possibly buy a COVID-19 vaccine in advance,” as well as a link to “contact us,” according to the plea agreement.
The plan was halted after an undercover Homeland Security agent contacted an indexed number on the fake website. Within hours of the first connection to the number, the agent won a “sales@modernatx. shop” email bill for two hundred doses of vaccine. which charge $30 each.
The agent ordered payment to a bank account belonging to one of the accomplices, which investigators seized a few days later, as well as the website. Using a phone of the accomplices, investigators texted Oluwalade saying, “Where to do?Do you need me to send you the bread?” To which Oluwalade said yes and asked that it be sent through Zelle and Cash App. Oluwalade then handed over his Zelle and Cash App account details to investigators, according to his request.
Oluwalade admitted that he knew a bank account would be used for the program, but he knew how it would work. He added that he would be compensated for obtaining bank accounts for the program. Oluwalade has still been convicted by a judge.
“As the public searches for vaccines to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19, scammers wait to take advantage of their desperation. We must remind the public to act with excessive caution online, especially when it comes to vaccines, treatments and equipment,” said James R. Mancuso, a special agent with Baltimore’s Division of Homeland Security, was arrested in February.
Follow Jordan Mendoza on Twitter: @jordan_mendoza5.