A United States federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for orchestrating a $17 million fraud scheme that targeted more than 100 victims across the globe.
The convicted individuals, Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke, were found guilty of running a transnational criminal enterprise that preyed on elderly and vulnerable people. According to US prosecutors, the group used romance scams, business email compromises, and other fraudulent tactics to steal money, often wiping out victims’ life savings.
The scheme, which began in 2017, involved laundering stolen funds through a network of bank accounts and sending money to associates in Africa and Asia. Following their arrest, the defendants faced multiple charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering.
US District Judge Amos Mazzant handed down lengthy sentences, with some defendants receiving up to 40 years in federal prison. Prosecutors emphasized that the convictions reflect the US government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from international fraudsters.
“Transnational organised criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” said US Attorney Ray Combs. “The defendants’ lengthy sentences in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the dedication of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to bring them to justice.”
This case stands as one of the largest involving Nigerians convicted for online fraud in the United States.
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