FBI Arrests 11 Nigerians Over Romance Scam

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has arrested 11 Nigerians for defrauding elderly victims in romance schemes.

The defendants are; David Animashaun, 38; Oluwalobamise Michael Moses, 40; Irabor Fatarr Musa, 51; Ijeoma Okoro, 31; Chukwemeka Orji, 36; Emanuel Stanley Orji, 35; Frederick Orji, 37; Uwadiale Esezobor, 36; Victor Idowu, 36; Afeez Abiola Alao, 37; and Ambrose Sunday Ohide, 47.

They were arrested by the FBI in DFW, Eastern District of Texas, Dallas, Lubbock, Los Angeles and charged in the Northern District of Texas for alleged fraud conspiracy, money laundering, mail & wire fraud conspiracy.

According to the court document, the defendants preyed on elderly victims, many of whom were widows or divorced.

Acting U.S. Attorney, Prerak Shah at a press conference announcing the charges said the crimes, “are especially despicable because they rely not only on victims’ lack of internet savvy, but also, their isolation, their loneliness, and sometimes their grief.

“As the victims open their hearts, the perpetrators open their wallets. The only mistake these victims make is being generous to the wrong people,” he said.

The defendants, if convicted, face up to 30 years in federal prison on the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy counts.