HOUSTON -
Federal agents arrested a man believed to be the ring leader of an organized Nigerian crime group.

Emmanuel Akioyamen is charged with conspiracy.  Investigators said Akioyamen would use several Houston street gangs to help him steal money orders out of apartment rent drop boxes.  The investigation began in Conroe, but quickly expanded to included eighteen different law enforcement jurisdictions.

Investigators said once the money orders were obtained, Akioyamen's group would wash them and soak off the information, including the amount.  Then, they'd dry the money orders and fill them out with their own information.

When it came time to cash the fake, fraudulent money orders, investigators said Akioyamen would recruit homeless men and women to do it.  According to court documents obtained by KPRC Local 2, he'd pay them $50 to $100 for every money order they cashed.

Investigators estimate the total amount of money stolen is between $1 million and $5 million.

Neighbors were shocked to learn about the allegations against Akioyamen, who lived in northwest Harris County.

"There's always a lot of people  in and out of the house, " said neighbor Melissa Oehing. "I could never figure out who lived there."

"It's kind of scary," said Sheri Kendall. "Knowing something major like that is going on three houses down."

Investigators said he was running the crime ring from January, 2011 to December, 2011.

This is his Picture below.