In a sweeping crackdown on international fraud, a U.S. federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for their roles in a $17 million fraud scheme that targeted over 100 individuals, businesses, and government entities worldwide.
The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant in the Eastern District of Texas, followed extensive investigations into a transnational organised crime syndicate that operated from as early as 2017. The group, prosecutors said, primarily exploited vulnerable and elderly victims through romance scams and other internet-based fraud tactics.
According to a statement released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Justice and signed by Acting U.S. Attorney Ray Combs, the convicted individuals—Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke—used sophisticated methods to steal millions and launder the proceeds across multiple continents.
“The defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims, and then how to disguise, disburse, and launder that money,” Combs said. “They
deliberately preyed on elderly victims, robbing many of their life savings.”Sentences Handed Down:
Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, Texas – 109 months (over 9 years) in prison
Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano – 365 months (over 30 years)
Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen – 480 months (40 years)
Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston – 480 months (40 years)
Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, of Houston – 480 months (40 years)
Investigators revealed that once the victims were manipulated into transferring funds, the fraud ring laundered the money through a maze of bank accounts, involving co-conspirators and businesses in Africa and Asia.
The sentencing comes amid renewed U.S. efforts to clamp down on cross-border financial crimes, particularly those involving vulnerable citizens.
“Transnational organised criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” said Combs. “These sentences reflect both the severity of the crimes and our unwavering commitment to justice.”
This case highlights the growing threat of cyber-enabled financial crimes and the importance of global cooperation in tracking and prosecuting perpetrators. The U.S. Department of Justice has reaffirmed its stance that no border will shield fraudsters from justice.
