US Court jails five Nigerians for $17m fraud scheme targeting elderly victims

Five Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to a combined 159 years in prison by a United States court for their involvement in an elaborate $17 million fraud scheme that victimized over 100 individuals, companies, and government entities, many of whom were elderly and vulnerable.

The convictions were officially announced in a statement published on Wednesday by the US Department of Justice website, signed by Acting US Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Jay R. Combs.

According to the statement, the convicted individuals—Damilola Kumapayi (39), Sandra Iribhogbe (aka Sandra Popnen, 50), Edgal Iribhogbe (51), Chidindu Okeke (32), and Chiagoziem Okeke (32)—were identified as members of a transnational organized crime syndicate.

The group initiated its fraudulent operations in January 2017, orchestrating scams primarily through online dating platforms and other deceptive means to defraud victims of their life savings.

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

“They specifically targeted elderly persons and used various fraudulent tactics to gain access to their funds.”

The illicit proceeds obtained from these fraudulent activities were subsequently laundered through a complex network of bank accounts and transferred to accomplices and businesses located across Africa and Asia.

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The five individuals were arraigned on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Following their conviction, US District Judge Amos Mazzant handed down the following sentences:

• Damilola Kumapayi (39) of Plano: 109 months (over 9 years) for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
• Sandra Iribhogbe (aka Sandra Popnen, 50) of Plano: 365 months (over 30 years) for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
• Edgal Iribhogbe (51) of Allen: 480 months (40 years) for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
• Chidindu Okeke (32) of Houston: 480 months (40 years) for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
• Chiagoziem Okeke (32) of Houston: 480 months (40 years) for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Combs emphasized that the outcome of this case reflects America’s firm resolve to combat international fraud operations that target its citizens.

“Transnational organized criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” he said.

 “The defendants’ lengthy sentences demonstrate the seriousness of their crimes and the US government’s commitment to pursuing justice for their victims”.

This successful prosecution underscores the ongoing collaboration between US law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in tackling complex, cross-border financial crimes.