Two Nigerians pleaded guilty; one has been sentenced to 87months in Jail for an international inheritance fraud plot that defrauded elderly American victims
Two Nigerians previously extradited to the United States from Spain pleaded guilty to fraud conspiracy, and one Nigerian extradited from Britain to the United States was sentenced to 87 months in prison, both of which are international heritage sites. Performed on the guilt of their respective roles in the fraud plan.
According to court documents, Ezennia Peter Neboh, 48, Kennedy Ikponmwosa, 52, and Jerry Chucks Ozor, 43, sent personal letters to elderly victims in the United States. He was one of a group of scammers who sent personal letters, pretending that the sender was a representative of the scammers. A Spanish bank claimed that the recipient was entitled to a multimillion-dollar inheritance left by a family member who died in Portugal several years ago.
Victims were told they had to wire shipping charges and taxes and were instructed to make other payments before they could receive their alleged inheritance. Victims sent money to defendants through a complex network of former victims based in the United States.
Defendants persuaded these former victims to accept money from new victims and pass on the fraudulent proceeds to others. On July 25, U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams sentenced Ozor to 87 months in prison for his role in the scheme. Ikponmwosa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud on the same day. Earlier this morning, Mr. Neboh pleaded guilty to the same charge.
"The Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Division will continue to bring international criminals who defraud U.S. consumers to justice," said Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton Department of Justice Civil Affairs Director.
The United States and foreign law enforcement agencies can and will work together to thwart plans like the one accused in this case and prevent further casualties for American victims."
"United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has a long history of defending Americans against such activities and bringing those responsible to justice," said Juan A. Vargas, Superintendent of USPIS Miami.
"This discovery demonstrates the committed partnership of the Department of Justice Consumer Protection Division, Homeland Security Investigations Service (HSI), and USPIS to protect the public from these frauds."
"International crime syndicates that target and steal from the elderly will be held accountable for their heinous acts," said HSI Arizona Special Agent Scott Brown. "This lawsuit demonstrates HSI's commitment to working with local and international law enforcement partners to prove them wrong to those who believe they are beyond the reach of the law.
" We would like to thank the law enforcement agencies who have put in countless hours to ensure the success of these investigations. "
In June, Judge Williams sentenced London resident Emmanuel Samuel, 39, to 82 months in prison for his involvement in the scheme. At sentencing hearings, Judge Williams sends a message to international criminals who believe they "would never have been caught" and who believe they cannot exploit the people of the United States "with impunity," saying it is important. Sentencing for Mr. Neboh and Mr. Ikponmwosa is scheduled for November 2 and October 20, respectively.
The Consumer Protection Agency, USPIS, and HSI are investigating the incident. Chief Trial Attorney Phil Toumajian of the Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Division and trial attorneys Josh Rothman and Brianna Gardner are prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs, the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Europol, UK, Spanish, and Portuguese agencies all provided significant support.