A court in the United States has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for their involvement in a sweeping $17 million fraud scheme that targeted over 100 individuals, businesses, and government agencies.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced the convictions following a years-long investigation into a transnational cybercrime ring that exploited romance scams, business email compromises, unemployment insurance fraud, and bogus investment opportunities to defraud mostly elderly and vulnerable victims.
Those convicted are Damilola Kumapayi, 39; Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50; Edgal Iribhogbe, 51; and brothers Chidindu Okeke and Chiagoziem Okeke, both 32. The fraudulent operation reportedly began in January 2017 and continued for several years.
According to court documents, the group manipulated victims through fake online relationships, intercepted legitimate business communications, and promoted false investment offers.

Once money was secured, it was funneled through numerous bank accounts before being transferred to co-conspirators and entities across Africa and Asia.

“The scheme resulted in approximately $17 million fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities worldwide,” the Justice Department stated. “The defendants used various tactics, including online dating platforms, to deceive elderly persons and others.”

At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant handed down hefty prison terms: Chidindu and Chiagoziem Okeke, along with Edgal Iribhogbe, were each sentenced to 40 years; Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen received 30 years and 5 months; while Kumapayi, who entered a guilty plea, was sentenced to 9 years and 1 month.

Authorities said many victims were left emotionally devastated and financially ruined, with some losing their life savings.