First, there are many people asking, “Who is Woodberry?”
Woodberry, whose real name is Olalekan Jacob Ponle, is a well-known Nigerian socialite and internet personality. He gained fame for his extravagant lifestyle, which he flaunted on social media platforms. Woodberry was often seen driving luxurious cars such as Lamborghini and Rolls-Royces, wearing high-end designer clothes from brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, living in opulent mansions, and traveling around the globe to exotic locations for leisure. His social media profiles were filled with pictures and videos showcasing his wealth, drawing significant attention and followers.
In June 2020, Woodberry’s flamboyant lifestyle came to an abrupt halt when he was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The arrest was part of a coordinated operation known as “Fox Hunt 2,” which targeted high-profile cybercriminals involved in internet fraud and money laundering schemes. Woodberry was apprehended alongside his close associate, Ramon Olorunwa Abbas, better known as Hushpuppi, who was also a prominent figure in social media influencers living extravagant lifestyles funded by illicit activities.
The investigation revealed that Woodberry and his accomplices were involved in Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams, which involved hacking into corporate email systems to redirect payments to their accounts. They defrauded numerous companies out of millions of dollars. Following his arrest, Woodberry was extradited to the United States, where he faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
In July 2020, Woodberry pleaded guilty to the charges and was subsequently sentenced to 8 years and three months in prison. His arrest and conviction were widely covered in the media, highlighting the increasing crackdown on cybercrime and the consequences of such illicit activities.
As of May 29, 2024, rumors have surfaced suggesting that Woodberry has been released from prison and has posted on his Snapchat account. These rumors have been circulating on various social media platforms, with some claiming to have seen his new posts. However, there has been no official confirmation from credible sources regarding his release. Until reliable information is available, these claims remain unverified and should be considered speculative.
