A Nigerian man has been sentenced to more than seven years in a U.S. prison for his role in a scheme that hacked business email accounts and tricked victims into sending millions of dollars to fraudulent bank accounts, U.S. authorities said.

James Junior Aliyu, 31, received a 90-month prison sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Saturday. The court also ordered Aliyu to forfeit $1.2 million and pay $2.4 million in restitution.

Authorities say Aliyu was part of an international fraud ring that targeted American businesses and individuals by compromising email accounts and sending fake payment instructions designed to redirect legitimate wire transfers.

The scheme dates back to at least 2017, according to court documents. Prosecutors estimate the operation ultimately stole about $6 million.

Aliyu, who used the online aliases “Old Soldier” and “Ghost” was arrested in Johannesburg in 2022 and remained in custody there until his extradition to the United States.

Investigators say the conspirators gained unauthorized access to email accounts belonging to businesses and individuals. They then sent messages from spoofed email addresses — forged to appear legitimate — instructing victims to wire funds to bank accounts controlled by members of the fraud network.

The operation involved multiple co-conspirators, including two other Nigerian nationals and associates in Maryland.

South African media previously reported that the Nigerian trio operated out of a luxury residence in the Johannesburg area.

According to Aliyu’s sentencing memo, he arrived in South Africa with little money and lost his university scholarship during his second year of studies. He was later drawn into the scheme by the promise of quick financial gain, the memo said.

Aliyu eventually withdrew from the conspiracy after graduating and told his co-conspirators he wanted to leave, but they ignored his request, according to court documents.

Authorities said Aliyu has accepted responsibility for his actions. After completing his prison term, he is expected to be removed from the United States.

Two other defendants in the case have already pleaded guilty. Kosi Goodness Simon-Ebo admitted his role in the scheme in 2023 and received an 18-month prison sentence. Another co-conspirator, Henry Onyedikachi Echefu, pleaded guilty in 2024 and could face up to 20 years in prison.