A Nigerian national has pled guilty to his involvement in a multi-million-dollar romance scam that targeted elderly Americans, defrauding them of more than $3 million. The scam, which spanned several years, was aimed at vulnerable seniors across the United States, with perpetrators exploiting emotional connections to gain access to victims’ finances.
The individual, whose identity has been disclosed as 32-year-old John Adebayo, was charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with the sophisticated scheme. Adebayo, who operated as part of an international criminal network, used fake identities and fabricated online relationships to deceive senior citizens into sending large sums of money.
According to court documents, Adebayo and his co-conspirators posed as romantic interests on dating websites and social media platforms, cultivating trust with victims before convincing them that they needed financial assistance due to fake emergencies. The fraudsters used a variety of tactics to manipulate the victims, including promises of future visits or marriage, to ensure the flow of funds.
"This case highlights the devastating impact of romance scams on vulnerable members of our society, particularly seniors who are often targeted by criminals exploiting their emotional needs," said Sarah Smith, Director of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). "The guilty plea today is a crucial step in holding these criminals accountable and sending a clear message that we will not tolerate such fraudulent activities."
Federal investigators uncovered that Adebayo, along with other members of the network, used various means to launder the stolen funds, including funneling money through international bank accounts, cryptocurrencies, and even using victims' money to purchase luxury items for personal use.
The guilty plea comes as part of ongoing efforts to combat elder fraud and online scams that have seen a significant rise in recent years. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies have been intensifying their efforts to track down and dismantle criminal networks responsible for such fraudulent activities.