By: Manoah Kikekon
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| FBI used to illustrate the story |
A U.S. federal court has delivered a massive blow to a notorious Nigerian cybercrime syndicate, sentencing five fraudsters to a combined 129 years (1,549 months) in prison for orchestrating a multi-million-dollar scam targeting vulnerable victims worldwide.
The scammers Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, and identity theft after defrauding over 100 victims of more than $17 million through romance scams, business email compromise (BEC) fraud, and fake investment schemes.
The syndicate, operating since 2017, preyed on elderly victims through: Romance scams (fake online relationships), BEC fraud (hijacking business emails), Fake investment opportunities, and Unemployment insurance fraud.
U.S. Attorney Jay Combs condemned the crimes, stating: “Transnational organized criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable. The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable.”
After a joint investigation by the FBI, Homeland Security, and international agencies, the gang was arrested and convicted. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant: Chidindu Okeke, Chiagoziem Okeke, and Edgal Iribhogbe: 40 years each, Sandra Iribhogbe: Over 30 years, Damilola Kumapayi: 9 years.
FBI Special Agent Joseph Rothrock emphasized the impact on victims, “For some individuals, this was their life savings, and they were unable to financially recover. We hope these sentences give them a sense of comfort and send a clear message that the FBI is committed to pursuing justice.”
The fraudsters laundered stolen funds through international bank networks, sending proceeds to co-conspirators in Africa and Asia.
This landmark case highlights the U.S. justice system’s crackdown on transnational cybercrime, ensuring scammers face severe consequences for exploiting innocent victims.