US-based Nigerians bag 30 Years Imprisonment for $3.5 million Fråud
Two Nigerians living in the United States, Anthony Emeka Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, have been sentenced to a combined 30 years in federal prison for orchestrating fræud schemes that caused $3.5 million in losses to their victims. The sentencing came after investigations revealed their involvement in various online sc@ms, including romance sc@ms and inheritance frãud.
US-based Nigerians bag 30 Years Imprisonment for $3.5 million Fråud
Two Nigerians living in the United States, Anthony Emeka Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, have been sentenced to a combined 30 years in federal prison for orchestrating fræud schemes that caused $3.5 million in losses to their v!ctims. The sentencing came after investigations revealed their involvement in various online sc@ms, including romance sc@ms and inheritance frãud.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, the duo used fãke identities to tr!ck their v!ctims. They claimed that the v!ctims were heirs to large fortunes and needed to sénd money upfront to access their so-called inheritance. These sc@ms were carried out through decéptive communication, often involving social media and dating websites. By gaining the trust of their v!ctims through fâke relationships, they convinced them to send large sums of money to predetermined accounts.
The statement also revealed that the fr@ud extended to business email compr0mise schemes, targeting corporate email accounts to stéal even more money. A covert law enforcement investigation uncovered the full extent of their operations, leading to their arrests and convict!ons.
Ibekie, aged 59 and living in Oswego, Illinois, faced a trial earlier this year. He was conv!cted on 14 chargës, including w!re fräud, mail fräud, money læunder!ng, passport fráud, and making false statements to a bank. He received a 20-year prison sentence. Aniukwu, aged 50 and from Romeoville, Illinois, pleaded gu!lty last year to w!re frâud and money laûnder!ng. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
The case also involved a U.S. citizen, Jennifer Gosha, who has admitted her role in the scheme. She pleaded gu!lty to w!re fr@ud and making false statements to a federal agent. Her sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2024.
This case serves as a deterrent and reminder of the dangers of online fr@ud and the importance of being cautious when dealing with unfamiliar individuals or offers that sound too good to be true. The government continues to warn the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help prevent similar cr!mes.
