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Matthew Akande Sentenced to Eight Years for Hacking Tax Firms

· Original article ↗

Summary

Matthew Abiodun Akande was sentenced to eight years for using Warzone RAT-delivered phishing to steal tax clients’ data from Massachusetts firms and file 1,000+ fraudulent returns seeking $8.1 million; more than $1.3 million was collected.

Key points

  • Akande was sentenced to eight years in prison and three years of supervised release; the court also ordered nearly $1.4 million in restitution.
  • He targeted four Massachusetts tax preparation firms with phishing emails impersonating a CEO and used a disguised Dropbox link to deliver malware.
  • Akande used Warzone RAT and a crypter intended to evade antivirus detection.
  • He stole clients’ Social Security numbers and prior-year tax data, then filed more than 1,000 fraudulent returns seeking over $8.1 million.
  • More than $1.3 million in fraudulent refunds was collected and routed through co-conspirators.
  • Akande was arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport in October 2024 and extradited to the United States in March 2025.

Article Details

Event Type
Sentencing of Matthew Abiodun Akande for hacking Massachusetts tax preparation firms and filing fraudulent tax returns.
Impact
The firms' clients' Social Security numbers and prior-year tax data were stolen and used in more than 1,000 fraudulent returns seeking over $8.1 million; more than $1.3 million was collected. Akande was sentenced to eight years in prison, three years of supervised release, and nearly $1.4 million in restitution.

MITRE ATT&CK

T1204.002 · Malicious FileRecipients downloaded and executed a disguised executable that installed the RAT.T1566.002 · Spearphishing LinkAkande sent phishing emails with a Dropbox link that allegedly led recipients to download the malware.

Threat Actors

Matthew Abiodun AkandeCourt documents describe Akande using Warzone RAT to access tax preparation firms' networks and steal client information; he was sentenced to prison for the conduct.

Malware

Warzone RATHe used the Warzone RAT and a crypter, delivered via CEO‑impersonation phishing emails with a disguised Dropbox link, to steal clients’ Social Security numbers and prior-year tax data before funneling refunds through

Countries

MexicoHe was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2022 before his arrest, while he was still living in Mexico.United StatesMatthew Abiodun Akande was arrested at London’s Heathrow Airport in October 2024 and extradited to the U.S.

Industries

Tax preparationMatthew Abiodun Akande, was sentenced to eight years in prison for hacking multiple Massachusetts tax preparation firms and filing over 1,000 fraudulent tax returns seeking more than $8.1 million in refunds.

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