A federal jury in the United States has sentenced two Nigerian nationals, Anthony Emeka Ibekie and Samuel Aniukwu, to a total of 30 years in prison for their involvement in fraudulent schemes that defrauded victims out of $3.5 million.

Ibekie, aged 59, from Oswego, Illinois, received a 20-year sentence, while Aniukwu, 50, from Romeoville, Illinois, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The sentences were handed down following their conviction for multiple fraud-related crimes, including wire fraud, money laundering, and making false statements to a bank.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the two men operated a series of deceptive schemes, beginning with a fake inheritance scam. They falsely claimed that their victims were entitled to substantial inheritances but needed to send money to individuals linked to Ibekie and Aniukwu to claim their supposed fortune.

In addition to the inheritance scam, Ibekie and Aniukwu also executed an online romance scam. They used dating websites and social media platforms to create fake online relationships, gaining the trust of victims before tricking them into sending money to accomplices. Another scam, known as “business email compromise,” targeted corporate email accounts, leading to further fraudulent transactions.

Both Ibekie and Aniukwu pleaded guilty to the charges. Ibekie was convicted on all 14 counts, including wire fraud, money laundering, passport fraud, and making false statements to a bank. Aniukwu admitted to wire fraud and money laundering charges.

Additionally, the fraud ring involved a U.S. accomplice, Jennifer Gosha, 52, of Oak Park, Illinois, who is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2024. Gosha pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making false statements to federal agents.

The sentencing of Ibekie and Aniukwu highlights the U.S. Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to combat online fraud and bring perpetrators to justice.

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