A United States federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a total of 159 years behind bars for their involvement in a large-scale fraud operation that scammed more than 100 victims—including individuals, businesses, and government agencies—out of approximately $17 million.
The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that the sentences followed an extensive investigation into a transnational criminal network engaged in various forms of fraud, including romance scams, business email compromise, false investment schemes, and unemployment insurance fraud.
Many of the victims were elderly or otherwise vulnerable.
The convicted fraudsters—Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke—were said to have played central roles in the syndicate’s operations, which reportedly began around January 2017 and continued for several years.
Court documents revealed that the group created fake romantic relationships, tampered with business communications, and promoted bogus investment opportunities to lure unsuspecting victims.
After acquiring the money, the funds were funneled through multiple bank accounts and routed to co-conspirators and businesses across Africa and Asia.
“The scheme led to the fraudulent acquisition of roughly $17 million from over 100 victims worldwide, with a significant number being elderly individuals. The defendants used dating platforms and other means to manipulate their targets, then laundered the proceeds using an international network of accounts,” the Justice Department said.
The suspects were later arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant.
Three of the defendants—Chidindu Okeke and Chiagoziem Okeke, both 32 and based in Houston, along with 51-year-old Edgal Iribhogbe of Allen—were each handed 40-year prison terms after being found guilty in court.
Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, from Plano, received a sentence of just over 30 years (365 months), while Damilola Kumapayi, 39, also from Plano, was given just over 9 years (109 months) following a guilty plea.
Prosecutors noted that many victims lost their entire life savings and suffered severe emotional distress.
Authorities commended the cross-border efforts of law enforcement agencies and reiterated the U.S government’s commitment to dismantling international fraud networks.
