Malik Jahlil Bell, also known as “Leek Obama,” has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for bank fraud, money laundering, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The 28-year-old from Columbia was identified as the leader of a fraud ring called “Swiperz Only.”
The investigation revealed that Bell and his associates exploited a customer service benefit from banks that provided provisional credits to accounts when fraudulent activity was reported. These credits were temporarily applied while the bank investigated the claims. The group devised a scheme to make multiple withdrawals of these provisional credits from ATMs, resulting in large negative balances.
Bell and his group openly flaunted their crimes on social media, posting images and videos of cash, jewelry, and firearms. He also shared music videos referencing the scheme. Evidence showed that they lived in a home decorated with custom logos depicting their activities.
United States District Judge Mary G. Lewis sentenced Bell to 108 months imprisonment followed by five years of supervision. He must repay $238,652.87 in restitution to the victim bank.
The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson.
