News Summary
Malik Jahlil Bell, known as rapper ‘Leek Obama,’ has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for leading a major bank fraud scheme. His group, ‘Swiperz Only,’ exploited provisional bank credits to withdraw large sums illegally. Along with his prison term, Bell must repay over $238,000 in restitution. The case underlines ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes.
Columbia, SC – Malik Jahlil Bell, a 28-year-old resident of Columbia known by his rapper name “Leek Obama,” has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role as the leader of a significant bank fraud scheme. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Mary Lewis, highlighting the serious nature of Bell’s criminal activities.
Bell was convicted of several offenses, including bank fraud, money laundering, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. In addition to his prison sentence, Bell will face a five-year term of court-ordered supervision following his release. The court’s decision underscores the ongoing efforts to combat banking fraud and other financial crimes.
The fraud ring that Bell led was known as “Swiperz Only.” This group exploited bank provisional credits—temporary credits that banks apply to customer accounts while investigating disputed transactions. Bell and his associates took advantage of these credits by withdrawing large sums from ATMs, which ultimately created substantial negative balances on the victims’ accounts.
As part of their activities, Bell and his accomplices openly displayed their illicit gains on social media platforms, sharing images and videos showcasing large stacks of cash, luxury jewelry, and firearms. They also produced and disseminated music videos that explicitly referenced and promoted the “Swiperz Only” fraud scheme, contributing to a culture that glamorized their illegal actions.
The members of the fraud ring inhabited a large shared home that was custom-decorated with logos representing “Swiperz Only.” The logo featured a depiction of a man standing in front of an ATM with a duffle bag overflowing with cash, signifying their theft-oriented lifestyle. Furthermore, the group’s members frequently adorned themselves in diamond jewelry and clothing emblazoned with the “Swiperz Only” brand, reflecting a troubling correlation between the music and the crime they were engaging in.
In total, Bell has been ordered to repay $238,652.87 in restitution to the banking institution that was victimized by the fraudulent activities. This restitution serves not only as a financial penalty but also as a reminder of the consequences that follow such criminal enterprises.
The rise of bank fraud schemes has become increasingly prevalent, with groups using technology to manipulate the banking system and exploit vulnerable customers. Cases like Bell’s highlight the importance of vigilant banking practices and law enforcement efforts to safeguard against these types of financial crimes.
In conclusion, Malik Jahlil Bell’s sentencing serves as a critical reminder of the legal repercussions faced by individuals engaged in organized fraud schemes. With a nine-year prison term and an extensive restitution order, the courts continue to impose strict penalties on those who violate financial laws. The ongoing investigation into such fraud rings also emphasizes the need for banks to remain alert to atypical behavior and protect their customers from potential scams.
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Additional Resources
- WLTX: Columbia Rapper Bank Fraud Sentence
- Wikipedia
- WISTV: Columbia Rapper Sentenced
- Google Search: Bank Fraud
- The State: Bank Fraud Scheme
- Google Scholar: Money Laundering
- SC Daily Gazette: Money Laundering Scheme
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Crimes
- WCNC: South Carolina Money Laundering
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
