Olalekan Jacob Ponle, a socialite living in Dubai who is linked to Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, a well-known Nigerian Instagram influencer and convicted felon also known as Hushpuppi, has admitted guilt to fraud charges brought against him in a US court.
The eight-count fraud allegation that was brought against Woodberry for participating in a scam known as BEC was first met with a plea of not guilty from him.
He must repay the $8 million he fraudulently got from the seven businesses he defrauded, per the terms of his plea agreement.
The document containing Mr. Ponle's signed plea declaration stated, "Defendant understands that by pleading guilty, he will subject to forfeiture to the United States all right, title, and interest that he has in any property constituting or derived from proceeds obtained, directly or indirectly, as a result of the offence."
Additionally, Woodberry was ordered to give up his claim to the expensive cars and designer watches he had hidden in Dubai.
The high-end vehicles include a Lamborghini Urus (Vehicle No. N4973), a Mercedes-Benz G-class (Vehicle No. G68816), and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan (Vehicle No. J9153).
Four Rolex watches, one Patek Philippe watch, three Audemars Piguet watches, three pairs of gold and diamond stud earrings, and six gold neck chains are among the additional things taken.
Recall that Woodberry had forfeited to the American government 151.8 Bitcoin worth approximately $6 million in 2022.
He was arrested in Dubai on the 10th of June 2020 alongside Hushpuppi, who is currently serving an 11-year sentence for a similar fraud charge.