Three individuals involved in moving over $3.5 million for a West Africa-based romance scam network have been sentenced in recent weeks, including Jennifer Gosha, a former U.S. Postal Service employee, who expressed deep regret for getting entangled in the scheme.
Gosha, a 32-year-old Iraq war veteran, was sentenced to three years of probation, with the first six months under house arrest, for her role in the Chicago-area fraud case. Gosha was manipulated by her then-boyfriend, Anthony Ibekie, whom she believed was a Nigerian doctor, into becoming a money mule for the scam. In an interview, Gosha admitted to being a victim herself, caught up in the fraudulent scheme.
The victims of the scam, such as 57-year-old Laura Kowal from Galena, Illinois, suffered devastating losses. Kowal, a retired health care executive, was tricked into a romance with a man who claimed to be “Frank Borg,” a fake identity created by the scammers. Over nearly two years, Kowal sent almost $2 million, believing it was for a legitimate cause. Eventually, she was coerced into setting up fake businesses and bank accounts to move the stolen funds, all under the guise of helping “Frank.”
The scheme’s connection to money mules became clear during the investigation, with the trio—including Gosha—handling transactions for the fraud network. One of Kowal’s initial payments of $75,000, made at “Frank’s” request, was channeled through the three conspirators living in the Chicago suburbs.
Gosha, alongside Nigerian nationals Samuel Aniukwu and Anthony Ibekie, was involved in transferring funds from the victims to West African scammers. Aniukwu, who pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Ibekie, who was convicted on 14 counts including wire fraud and forgery, was sentenced to 20 years behind bars.
Kowal’s daughter, Kelly Gowe, who gave an emotional victim impact statement, spoke about the profound loss her family endured. Gowe expressed anger towards the scammers who led to her mother’s death, emphasizing how her family will never get back the time that was stolen from them.
Despite her involvement in the fraud scheme, Gosha’s sentencing acknowledged the manipulation she experienced. Gosha, who had been an honest citizen until she met Ibekie, said she felt trapped and regrets her role in the scam. “I feel like I’ve lost everything,” she told CBS News.
As authorities continue to investigate similar romance scam cases, Gosha’s case highlights the growing issue of money mules being exploited in these deceitful schemes, which prey on individuals seeking love and connection online.
