Washington, D.C. — A United States federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for orchestrating a massive transnational fraud scheme that defrauded over 100 individuals, businesses, and government entities across the country.
The convictions were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice, following an extensive multi-agency investigation into the wide-ranging criminal operation. The scheme, which spanned several years beginning in January 2017, utilized romance scams, business email compromises (BECs), unemployment insurance fraud, and fraudulent investment offers to swindle victims—many of them elderly and vulnerable.
The convicted individuals are:
- Chidindu Okeke – 40 years
- Chiagoziem Okeke – 40 years
- Edgal Iribhogbe – 40 years
- Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen – 30 years and 5 months
- Damilola Kumapayi – 9 years and 1 month (pleaded guilty)
According to court records, the group built fake online relationships via dating websites and social media, convincing victims to part with large sums under false pretenses. Once the funds were obtained, they were laundered through numerous U.S. bank accounts and then transferred to co-conspirators in Africa and Asia.
The scam resulted in over $17 million in losses, with some victims reportedly losing their entire life savings. Prosecutors described the emotional toll on victims as “devastating and long-lasting.”
In sentencing the defendants, U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant underscored the severity of the crimes and the need for deterrence.
“This case highlights the global nature of fraud and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations,” said a DOJ spokesperson. “We are committed to working with our international partners to dismantle such networks.”
U.S. authorities praised the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and international law enforcement agencies in tracking and prosecuting the criminals.
