Ex-military pay agent arrested in LA for fraud

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Abuzuike O. Ukabam allegedly stole around $110,000 by over-paying on military invoices he processed.

An ex-Army pay agent from Texas has been accused of theft and fraud related to military invoices he processed in Iraq.

Prosecutors in Houston on Thursday announced the indictment of Abuzuike O. Ukabam of Humble. Investigators allege the former Army captain, who was arrested Wednesday in Los Angeles, stole about $110,000.

The Huston Press reports Ukabam handled invoices from Iraqi contractors. When processing these military invoices, he would then alter the invoice amount, pay the original amount to the recipient and pocket the difference.

A nine-count indictment returned July 30 and unsealed Wednesday charges Ukabam with wire fraud, theft of government property, money laundering and making false statements.

Ukabam in 2006 deployed to Iraq and processed invoices from Iraqi contractors working for the U.S. military.

Prosecutors accuse Ukabam of changing some totals, paying the contractor the original amount and keeping the difference.

Ukabam is expected to be returned to Houston.