Mr Woodberry, who loved to flaunt his lavish lifestyle on Instagram, had at first pleaded not guilty to the eight-count fraud charge brought against him for engaging in a scheme known as business email compromise (BEC).
However, a plea declaration submitted at the United States District Court of the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division on April 6 revealed Mr Woodberry had had a rethink and is now pleading guilty to count one of the indictments.
According to his plea agreement, he was required to repay the $8 million he fraudulently received from the seven companies that fell for his scam.
“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,” stated the document containing Mr Ponle’s signed plea declaration.
Mr Ponle was also asked to waive his rights to the luxury cars, and designer watches he had stashed in Dubai.
Source:graphic
