Small Investigation Company Helps with Fraud Case

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Authorities say a mom-and-pop company in New Mexico that does background checks helped thwart a major credit card fraud case tried in North Dakota.

Adekunle Adetiloye (aw-duh-KUHN-lee aw-duh-tuh-LOH'-ee) of Toronto is waiting to serve an 18-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to mail fraud. Prosecutors say he organized one of the largest high-tech bank robberies in U.S. history.

Anni Adkins and Joe Hoover of Investigative Professionals perform background checks for individuals and companies. Authorities say the pair coaxed Adetiloye into mailing a money order that allowed investigators to obtain fingerprints, among other evidence.

Adetiloye is accused of bilking 600 credit card companies and banks out of $1.5 million. The federal case wound up in North Dakota after a U.S. Bank call center in Fargo intercepted calls from Adetiloye and others.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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