By Ghazali Ibrahim
A U.S. federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for their roles in a sprawling $17 million fraud scheme that targeted over 100 victims including elderly individuals, businesses, and government institutions across the United States.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced the convictions following a lengthy multi-agency investigation into a transnational criminal enterprise that operated from at least January 2017.
The fraud network employed a range of deceptive tactics, including romance scams, business email compromise, unemployment insurance fraud, and fake investment schemes, to exploit victims across multiple states.
The convicted individuals, Chidindu Okeke, Chiagoziem Okeke, Edgal Iribhogbe, Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, and Damilola Kumapayi were found to have played central roles in the conspiracy, using fake identities and online platforms to deceive victims and launder stolen funds through a web of bank accounts and shell entities stretching across Africa and Asia.
According to U.S. court documents, once funds were extracted from unsuspecting victims, the money was funneled through a complex laundering operation involving co-conspirators and overseas businesses.
In sentencing, U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant handed down severe penalties: Chidindu Okeke and Chiagoziem Okeke, both 32, of Houston, and Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, Texas, were each sentenced to 40 years (480 months) in prison.
Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, received a 30-year (365 months) sentence.
Damilola Kumapayi, 39, also of Plano, who entered a guilty plea, was sentenced to 9 years (109 months).
Prosecutors revealed that many victims, some of whom lost their life savings, were left devastated both financially and emotionally.
The fraudulent schemes often exploited trust built through fake online relationships and manipulated communications between legitimate businesses.
“This case reflects the Department of Justice’s ongoing commitment to dismantling global fraud networks,” the DOJ said in a statement.
“We will continue to pursue and prosecute individuals who prey on vulnerable people for personal gain.”
U.S. authorities commended the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, and international partners for helping bring the perpetrators to justice.
