A Nigerian man, Darlington Akporugo, has been remanded in the United States (US) District court for the Southern District of Texas after pleading guilty to wire fraud and a romance scam totaling $3 million. This revelation came to light during a court ruling by US Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei on Monday, March 3.
Sophisticated Fraud Scheme
Akporugo, an undocumented immigrant in the US, was accused by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of orchestrating a sophisticated scheme from Houston that targeted victims in various US cities, including Chicago and Kentucky. Working with accomplices, he lured individuals into fake online relationships to convince them to transfer money to accounts under his control.
ICE Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, Chad Plantz, emphasized that Akporugo specifically targeted vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and recently widowed. He condemned the actions of Akporugo and his collaborators, highlighting the devastating impact on victims’ life savings.
Legal Consequences and Plea Deal
Akporugo, who was apprehended shortly before his wedding, utilized fake identities on social media to establish connections with victims. Through a plea deal, he admitted to using platforms like Facebook to solicit funds from victims, directing them to wire money to designated accounts. A significant portion of the embezzled funds was transferred overseas.
In addition to wire transfers and cash transactions, Akporugo coerced victims into opening credit accounts in his name and even procuring high-end vehicles for his personal use. The extensive investigation conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement uncovered over 25 victims, many of whom were elderly or retired, culminating in a total loss exceeding $3 million.
In his ruling, Ganjei underscored the severe financial repercussions faced by victims of romance scams, urging individuals to come forward despite feelings of shame or embarrassment. He emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents to prevent future victimization.
Pending Sentencing and Legal Ramifications
Akporugo is set to face sentencing by US District Judge Charles Eskridge on Friday, June 6, with the possibility of a maximum 20-year prison term and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted. However, Ganjei ordered Akporugo to remain in custody until his sentencing hearing, reflecting the gravity of the charges levied against him.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of online scams and the devastating impact they can have on unsuspecting individuals. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies are crucial in uncovering and prosecuting perpetrators like Akporugo, with a focus on seeking justice for victims and deterring future fraudulent activities.
