Four Nigerian nationals, residing in the U.S. and Canada, have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to defraud victims through romance and investment scams, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee announced.
Sentences Issued:
- Patrick Edah, 40, residing near Toronto, Canada: 30 months (sentenced Oct. 30, 2024)
- Efe Egbowawa, 41, residing in Atlanta, GA: 60 months (sentenced April 17, 2024)
- Igocha Mac-Okor, 40, also residing in Atlanta, GA: 50 months (sentenced Oct. 30, 2024)
- Kay Ozegbe, 44, a naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Atlanta, GA: 36 months (sentenced Sept. 23, 2024)
Scam Tactics: From 2017 to November 2021, the group used fake profiles on social media and dating sites to establish online relationships with victims across the U.S., often requesting emergency financial support after gaining trust. Victims’ financial losses ranged from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars, including one in Tennessee who lost over $400,000.
Money Laundering Scheme: The group acted as “money mules,” moving funds through layered bank accounts and shell companies to obscure transaction origins.
FBI Special Agent Joe Carrico remarked, “These individuals used deception and fraud to prey on the vulnerable, causing unmeasurable emotional damage and significant financial losses. The FBI remains committed to bringing such predators to justice.”