By Nic Flosi
Two Chicago-area men were sentenced to prison for running online scams that defrauded victims across the United States of over $3.5 million. Anthony Emeka Ibekie, 59, of Oswego, and Samuel Aniukwu, 50, of Romeoville, were found guilty of schemes involving fake inheritances, romance scams, and business email compromise targeting corporate accounts.
The duo would contact victims, promising large inheritances in exchange for upfront payments. Additionally, they engaged in online romance scams, luring victims through social media and dating platforms before convincing them to send money.
Ibekie and Aniukwu also used business email compromise tactics to steal from corporate email accounts. The crimes were uncovered through an undercover investigation.
Ibekie received a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted on 14 charges, including wire fraud and money laundering. Aniukwu, who pleaded guilty in 2023, was sentenced to 10 years for wire fraud and money laundering. A third defendant, Jennifer Gosha, 52, of Oak Park, faces sentencing on December 18 after pleading guilty to wire fraud and making false statements.
