COLUMBIA, S.C. – Malik Jahlil Bell, also known as “Leek Obama,” has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for his role in a fraud scheme involving bank fraud, money laundering, and illegal firearm possession.
Bell, 28, was identified by federal investigators as the ringleader of a group calling themselves “Swiperz Only,” a crew that exploited bank policies for provisional credits. These temporary refunds are meant to assist customers who report fraudulent activity. Bell and his co-conspirators used this feature to make multiple ATM withdrawals, leaving banks with large negative balances once the fraud was discovered.
Authorities say the group didn’t hide their activities — quite the opposite. Swiperz Only members frequently posted images and videos on social media flaunting stacks of cash, jewelry, and firearms. Bell himself released music videos referencing the scam, essentially turning criminal activity into a marketing campaign.
The group reportedly lived together in a custom-branded “Swiperz Only” house, featuring their logo: a man standing in front of an ATM with a duffle bag of money. They even wore custom diamond chains and clothing emblazoned with their group’s name.
U.S. District Judge Mary G. Lewis sentenced Bell to 108 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to repay $238,652.87 to the defrauded bank. As is standard in the federal system, there is no parole.