A United States court has sentenced five Nigerians to over 159 years combined for defrauding more than 100 individuals, companies, and government institutions.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced this in a statement published on Wednesday. It said the five Nigerians operated a global fraud ring that began in 2017. They targeted elderly and vulnerable people using different internet-based tricks to steal money.
According to the statement, the group used romance scams and fake business deals to deceive victims. In many cases, the victims lost their life savings.
“The defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims, and then how to disguise, disburse, and launder that money,” said the acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Ray Combs.
He explained that the scheme led to the theft of about $17 million from over 100 people and organisations across the world. The gang used a network of bank accounts to hide the money and sent it to contacts in Africa and Asia.
Convicted Fraudsters Used Online Scams to Trick Victims
The five Nigerians convicted are Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke. Each played a role in running the elaborate fraud.
They were charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. All were found guilty after investigations by U.S. law enforcement. Some pleaded guilty, while others were convicted after a trial.
Judge Amos Mazzant of the U.S. District Court gave each of them heavy sentences. Damilola Kumapayi, aged 39 and based in Plano, admitted guilt and got 109 months in federal prison.
Sandra Iribhogbe, aged 50 and also from Plano, confessed to both wire fraud and money laundering. She received 365 months in prison.
Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, from Allen, was found guilty after trial and sentenced to 480 months. The two other men, Chidindu and Chiagoziem Okeke, both aged 32 and from Houston, were also found guilty and sentenced to 480 months each.
U.S. Vows to Keep Fighting Fraud and Protecting Its Citizens
The U.S. government said the sentencing sends a strong message. It shows that the country is determined to protect its citizens and hold fraudsters accountable.
“Transnational organised criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” Combs said.
He added that the sentences reflect how serious the crimes were and praised the efforts of investigators and prosecutors.
“The defendants’ lengthy sentences… reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the dedication of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to bring them to justice,” he stated.
The court’s decision follows years of tracking and gathering evidence against the fraud gang. U.S. authorities are continuing to monitor and break similar networks to prevent further losses to Americans and others around the world.
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