Foreign National from the Congo Sentenced for Role in Email Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

Today, Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Sara J. Jones with the FBI Mobile, Alabama Field Office announced the sentencing of a foreign national from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who was residing in Hockley, Texas for his role in an email compromise scheme that defrauded a business of more than $200,000.

On March 24, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 27-year-old Chris Kasimbo Kalwahali to 33 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Following his prison term, Kalwahali will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

"Business email compromise schemes are a growing threat to companies across our district and the nation," said Acting United States Attorney Davidson. "Those who seek to exploit trusted business relationships for personal gain must be pursued and held accountable."

"The FBI is working every day to disrupt and dismantle cybercriminals who prey on victims in southern Alabama," said Special Agent in Charge Jones. "Today's outcome is another example of our commitment to protecting victims and imposing consequences on the criminals who perpetrate cyber intrusions in our area. We encourage anyone who has been the victim of cybercrime to report it immediately at www.ic3.gov. Quick reporting gives us the best chance to work with victims and our partners to recover stolen funds and bring criminals to justice."

According to his plea agreement and other court records, in March 2023, Kalwahali's co-conspirators targeted a business in Auburn, Alabama, by gaining unauthorized access to a business email account. Such access is commonly obtained through methods including hacking or social engineering to acquire login credentials.

Once access is obtained, perpetrators often impersonate the legitimate account holder and send fraudulent messages directing business partners to update payment information. Victims are then instructed to send payments to bank accounts controlled by members of the scheme.

In this case, the compromised email account was used to request wire transfers from two companies that conducted business with the Auburn company. One transfer, totaling $209,308.45, was deposited into a bank account controlled by Kalwahali. He then transferred the proceeds to other participants in the scheme.

As part of his plea agreement, Kalwahali admitted that he received and redistributed fraud proceeds, including transferring more than $83,000 to a Houston, Texas car dealership to purchase a vehicle.

During the sentencing hearing, the court also ordered Kalwahali to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $185,667.20. Additional restitution amounts are also pending.

The FBI Mobile Field Office investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle R. Turner and Eric M. Counts prosecuted for the Middle District of Alabama.