US Court Sentences Five Nigerians to 159 Years for $17 million Fraud

A United States District Court has sentenced five Nigerians to a cumulative 159 years in prison for defrauding over 100 individuals, companies, and government institutions out of $17 million through elaborate online scams.

This was disclosed in a statement published on the official website of the U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday. The statement was signed by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Ray Combs.

According to the statement, the convicted Nigerians, Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke were members of a transnational organized crime syndicate that operated a widespread internet fraud scheme starting in 2017.

Combs revealed that the group primarily targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals through deceitful means, including online romance scams and impersonation tactics.

“The defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims, and then how to disguise, disburse, and launder that money once they successfully defrauded their victims,” Combs said.

He added that the scheme led to about $17 million being fraudulently obtained from victims across the world, particularly in the United States.

“The scheme resulted in approximately $17 million fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities from across the world. The scheme specifically targeted elderly persons and used various schemes, such as online dating sites, to lure their victims.”

“Once funds were obtained from their victims, the defendants laundered the money through a network of various bank accounts and sent money to bank accounts, co-conspirators and businesses located in Africa and Asia,” the statement noted.

Following investigations, arrests, and arraignment, the defendants were charged with multiple counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. They were eventually found guilty some after trial, others through plea bargains and sentenced to varying prison terms by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant.

Details of the sentencing are as follows:

“Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 109 months in federal prison.

“Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 365 months in federal prison.

“Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison,” Combs stated.

He added, “Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.

“Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.”

The attorney stated that the sentencing was part of the US efforts to track down fraudsters who prey on its citizens, stressing that America remains resolute in bringing such fraudsters to justice.

“Transnational organised criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable.

“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,” Combs concluded.

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