The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into an alleged wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy involving seven Nigerian men accused of acting as middlemen in romance scams.
The suspects, identified as Bolanle Christina Odeyale (39), Oghenemine Jeffrey Agbroko (34), Charles Owhonigho Emurotu (40), Jimmy Iwezu (44), Lori Tsoritse (38), Rukevwe Solomon Ologban (44), and Christopher Onyedikachi Okereke (38), are under scrutiny for their alleged roles in a scheme that netted $8 million in proceeds from unsuspecting victims of internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo Boys.
According to U.S. prosecutors, the accused collaborated with fraudsters based in Nigeria between March 2018 and June 2019 to perpetrate romance scams targeting vulnerable individuals across America.
Using fictitious online personas, the scammers ensnared lonely victims into romantic relationships before exploiting them under false pretenses, such as fabricated medical emergencies.
The indictment alleges that the defendants facilitated the transfer of fraud proceeds from the District of Utah to other locations within the United States and abroad.
They opened new U.S. bank accounts to receive funds from victims, taking a percentage of the illicit gains before forwarding the remainder to their counterparts in Nigeria.
In a statement, the U.S. attorney’s office highlighted the accused’s efforts to conceal the origin and destination of the fraudulent funds, operating within the District of Utah to establish accounts at American financial institutions for the purpose of collecting and distributing illicit proceeds.
The investigation underscores the FBI’s commitment to combatting transnational financial crimes and protecting individuals from falling victim to fraudulent schemes orchestrated by cybercriminals.
Authorities continue to work diligently to bring those involved in such illicit activities to justice and prevent further harm to unsuspecting victims.