Extortionist targets U.S. elected officials Ghanaian arrested after Obama visit

[HiyaEmerald Eyes]

Source: Sun Sentinel


July 31, 2009

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler was the target of an extortionist in Ghana who got hold of his Social Security number and threatened to turn it over to identity thieves, the Secret Service said Thursday.

The alleged extortionist, Eric Kwame Agbosu, was arrested July 15 and remains in custody in Ghana where he is awaiting trial on extortion-related charges.

Wexler, D-Boca Raton, refused to pay off the Ghanaian and reported the matter to the Secret Service and Capitol Police.

Sources close to the investigation said the accused man apparently attempted to tap Wexler's personal and campaign accounts but did not acquire any money.

The sources said the alleged perpetrator had obtained identity information on more than a dozen elected officials, including members of Congress.

Spokesmen for other House members from Broward and Palm Beach counties said they had not been targeted.

The Ghanaian allegedly telephoned Wexler a few weeks ago and demanded money. The call came just before President Barack Obama visited Ghana, where he was guarded by Secret Service agents.

Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan said agents assisted in the investigation. Agbosu was arrested four days after the president's visit.

Wexler did not comment on the criminal investigation. His office referred questions to his attorney.

"Congressman Wexler greatly appreciates the professionalism and ongoing assistance of the United States Secret Service and Capitol Police regarding a matter where he was targeted as a member of Congress and was the victim of crime involving extortion and attempted identity theft," said his attorney, Pamela J. Marple.



Read more: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-extort-wexler-0731sbjul31,0,595909.story

[NBachers]

1. Great- Now I'll start getting emails -

Greetings and Salutations from the Great Nation of Ghana! To Whom it May Concern Sir or Madame:

I have recently fortuitously learned that unethical deceivers have come into possession of your Nomber of Social Security. Knowing full well how anxious you must be to re-secure this nomber for you and yourself only, I am placing myself at your service: By forwarding to me at the address below 1 (one) Cashiers Check made out to Cash for the amount of $2500.00 (Two Thousand Five-Hundred U.S. Dollars) and your Bank Account and Routing Numbers to Facilitate Transaction; I can secretly Delete and Destroy Any Record of your Nomber of Social Security.

Please be assured that Refusal to Act on this offer tendered will result in the unfortunate abuse of your Nomber by unsavory charlatans who will not be as interested in your welfare, I remain,

Your Agent in Concern,

Eric Kwame Agbosu

[DeSwiss]

2. Dear Mr. Eric Kwame Agbosu,

Thank you for your litter of deepest concerns revolving over my Nomber at the Security Society. A've contectted tham, and they cancelled my ol Nomber an gibed me a new oens. So the oens you have is now fakered.

And also, with the new monied the Security Society says I habed now with my new nomber, I rented a witch to cast a spell on yur deck. Which will disappear on August 3rd at 9:00 am. You should say goodbye to it now.

And you should don't mess wit Amuricans.


Aslama in Jesus Christ

Greetings and Salutations under the door.

[No Elephants]

7. Greetings and salutations under the door? LOL

[DeSwiss]

8. ...

[Jackpine Radical]

4. Goddam, now I know where that stuff is coming from!

I'm turning you in. You gave yourself away by being too perfect.

Unless, of course, you are willing to cough up $5,000 to have me go away and forget I saw this post...

PM me for details.

[Ian David]

3. What a moron. Harry Reid would have given the man anything he wanted. n/t

[Soylent Brice]

5. truer words have yet to be uttered.

[crickets]

6. I know--It's amazing there's one person left on the planet who hasn't figured that out!

Hysterical, Ian. I nearly choked myself laughing. :thumbsup: