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| Fraud ring busted, justice served in U.S |
Investigators say the group used romance scams, email hacks, jobless benefits fraud, and fake investments. They set their scheme in motion around January 2017. It ran for years and hit many elderly victims .
Victims were drawn by fake dating profiles. They also got phony business emails and bogus investment offers. Once the money arrived, the ring moved it through many banks. Funds went to accomplices in Africa and Asia .
The five convicted Nigerians include Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke. All pleaded or were found guilty of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering .
Judge Amos Mazzant oversaw the case. He gave Chidindu Okeke and Chiagoziem Okeke each 40 years. Edgal Iribhogbe got 40 years too. Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen received just over 30 years. Damilola Kumapayi got just over nine years .
Prosecutors noted the deep harm done. Some victims lost life savings. Many faced severe stress and health issues. Officials praised the joint work of U.S. and foreign agencies .
This case grew from a long DOJ probe. It involved teams in Florida, Texas, and beyond. Europol and police in the UK, Spain, and Portugal also helped. They shared tips, evidence, and leads .
The DOJ called this case a warning. The department vowed to track fraudsters no matter where they hide. Officials said senior citizens are key targets. They urged the public to report fraud fast .
The National Elder Fraud Hotline offers free help. Victims can call 1-833-FRAUD-11. Staff guide callers on next steps and recovery options .
How the Scheme Worked
Romance Scams: Scammers pretended to fall in love online. Then they asked for cash for fake emergencies.
Email Compromise: They hacked business emails. They sent fake invoices to firms. Victims wired money thinking it was real.
Benefit Fraud: They filed false unemployment claims. They funneled payouts to mule accounts.
Investment Fraud: They pitched fake stock deals. They promised big returns to lure cash .
Money moved fast. It crossed banks in New York, Miami, and Houston. From there it went to accounts in Lagos, London, and Manila. Investigators traced links using digital forensics and bank records .
Profiles of the Convicted
Damilola Kumapayi, 39: From Plano, Texas. Pleaded guilty. Got 109 months.
Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50: From Plano, Texas. Convicted at trial. Got 365 months.
Edgal Iribhogbe, 51: From Allen, Texas. Got 480 months.
Chidindu Okeke, 32: From Houston, Texas. Got 480 months.
Chiagoziem Okeke, 32: Also from Houston. Got 480 months .
Courts ordered them to forfeit assets tied to the fraud. Banks froze some accounts after DOJ seizures. Restitution hearings will decide how victims get repaid .
Many victims were over 60. Some retired on fixed incomes. They sent money to help a “partner” or “client.” They never saw that money again. Some had to delay medical care and bill payments .
A victim advocate said the scheme left scars beyond money. Victims felt shame and distrust. Many needed counseling and social support .
DOJ officials said fast reporting can help freeze funds. They stressed the value of joint work between agencies. Without that, the ring might still run free .
The FBI, IRS-CI, and postal inspectors led U.S. efforts. Europol and Portugal’s PJP pitched in. UK law enforcement shared intel. All worked under the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs .
That link to Europe was crucial. It helped track shell companies and fake bank names. It closed loopholes the ring used to move money .
Trials ran in federal court in Texas and Florida. Defendants faced counts of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering. Each count carries years in prison and fines. Judge Mazzant gave stern sentences to set an example .
Defendants may appeal. But appeals courts often side with trials that show clear proof. Here, digital trails and witness testimony were strong .
A fraud expert with 30 years in cybercrime said rings like this grow fast. He noted that old scams now use high tech. Email hacks and money mules are common. He urged seniors to use safe reporting tips and get bank alerts .
He added that scammers test new methods on small targets. Then they scale up. This ring evolved from simple dating scams into multi-million investor fraud .
How to Stay Safe
1. Verify Contacts: Always check person’s ID and story.
2. Protect Email: Use strong passwords and two-step login.
3. Watch for Red Flags: Unsolicited offers or urgent money asks.
4. Check with Family: Talk over money asks with trusted friends.
5. Report Fast: Call the Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 .
Transnational fraud hurts millions each year. It drains wallets and trust. U.S. courts now treat it as a top threat. Sentences like these aim to block rings before they grow bigger .
This case shows no ground is safe. Scammers adapt quickly. But law enforcement learns too. They share data, tools, and tactics to fight back. Victims gain more protection as a result .
The DOJ says it will keep hunting fraud groups worldwide. They pledge continued cooperation with foreign partners. That chain of work is key to stopping future crimes .