Crime
FBI uncovers romance fraud syndicate based in Nigeria, arrests 11 Nigerians
No fewer than 11 Nigerians living in the US have been indicted by a US federal grand jury for defrauding elderly victims in romance schemes.
The fraudsters targeted elderly victims, including widows and the divorced.
According to court documents, the defendants are: David Animashaun, 38; Oluwalobamise Michael Moses, 40; Irabor Fatarr Musa, 51; Ijeoma Okoro, 31; Chukwemeka Orji, 36; Emanuel Stanley Orji, 35; Frederick Orji, 37; Uwadiale Esezobor, 36; Victor Idowu, 36; Afeez Abiola Alao, 37; and Ambrose Sunday Ohide, 47.
They were arrested Wednesday morning by the FBI in DFW, Eastern District of Texas, Dallas, Lubbock, Los Angeles and charged in the Northern District of Texas for alleged fraud conspiracy, money laundering, mail & wire fraud conspiracy.
The indictment added that the 11 had ties to an international syndicate in Nigeria.
The defendants, if convicted, face up to 30 years in federal prison on the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy counts.
This is as the FBI estimated that more than 20,000 people lost more than $600 million in romance scams in 2020 alone.
-
Football1 week agoXabi Alonso targets Arda Guler as Chelsea prepare €100m transfer bid
-
Football1 week agoFIFA confirms Jay-Jay Okocha holds World Cup record
-
Business6 days agoDangote cuts petrol, diesel prices again to boost affordability, economic activity
-
Aviation1 week agoInside Airport Luggage Theft: Experts warn of rising insider syndicates
-
Politics7 days agoAmuwo Odofin: Umeadi emerges winner of NDC Reps Primary
-
Featured7 days agoPSG edge Arsenal on penalties to retain Champions League crown
-
Football1 week agoChampions League Final: Talking points ahead of Arsenal vs. PSG match
-
Featured1 week ago
UCL final divides Nigerian football legends