A Nigerian national, Kenneth Godwin, has been indicted in the United States on multiple federal charges stemming from an alleged multi‑year scheme to defraud a tribally owned casino in South Dakota.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Godwin with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and unauthorized access to a protected computer in furtherance of fraud. Prosecutors allege that Godwin, believed to have been residing in Nigeria during the scheme, worked with unnamed co‑conspirators to siphon money from the Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the alleged conspiracy ran from May 2023 through March 2026 and relied on a sophisticated business email compromise, or BEC, operation. Investigators say the conspirators manipulated electronic communications and computer systems tied to the casino’s financial operations, diverting funds for their own benefit.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the total amount of money involved, but they describe the losses as substantial and emphasize that the victim business is owned and operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe.

“No agency on earth is better at this than the FBI,” U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons said in announcing the indictment. “They will track down those who steal from and commit fraud against the people of the United States wherever those offenders may be.”

FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson said the case highlights the reach of international cyber‑enabled fraud and its impact on Native communities. “His international business e‑mail compromise scheme caused substantial financial damage to a business owned and operated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota,” Dotson said, adding that the bureau is committed to dismantling criminal enterprises that target tribal and rural communities.

Godwin faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted on the most serious counts. He could also be ordered to serve three years of supervised release, pay a mandatory special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and make restitution to the victims.

Prosecutors stressed that the indictment is only a formal accusation. Godwin remains presumed innocent unless and until the government proves the charges beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

The FBI is leading the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Patterson is prosecuting the case.