A U.S. court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for their roles in a massive $17 million fraud scheme that targeted over 100 individuals, businesses, and government agencies around the world.

 

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed that the convictions followed a lengthy investigation into a transnational cybercrime ring responsible for romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), unemployment insurance fraud, and fake investment schemes—most of which preyed on elderly and vulnerable victims.

 

The convicted individuals include Damilola Kumapayi, 39; Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50; Edgal Iribhogbe, 51; and brothers Chidindu and Chiagoziem Okeke, both aged 32. The fraudulent activities reportedly spanned from January 2017 and continued for several years.

 

According to court records, the group lured victims through fake online relationships, intercepted corporate emails to reroute payments, and promoted bogus investment opportunities. They then laundered the stolen funds through a network of bank accounts before transferring the money to associates in Africa and Asia.

 

“The defendants used various tactics—including online dating platforms—to deceive and exploit victims, resulting in about $17 million in losses,” the Justice Department said.

 

At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant handed down the following prison terms:

 

Chidindu Okeke: 40 years

 

Chiagoziem Okeke: 40 years

 

Edgal Iribhogbe: 40 years

 

Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen: 30 years and 5 months

 

Damilola Kumapayi (who pleaded guilty): 9 years and 1 month

 

 

Authorities stated that many victims were left emotionally shattered and financially devastated, with some losing their entire life savings.