US Attorney Nicholas J. Gangee (Nicholas J.
According to U.S. immigration and customs enforcement, Akporugo played a central role in a well-crafted Houston program that preyed on victims from Chicago to Kentucky.
He worked with his accomplices, seducing individuals to create fraudulent online relationships, and eventually convinced them to send money in a bank account he controlled.
According to ICE, Akporugo, who is an illegal immigrant in the United States, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court, the southern region of Texas conspired to commit wire transfer fraud and mail fraud, as well as meticulous fraud involving more than 25 victims, involving wire transfer fraud, auxiliary and teaching tone, most of them most of their victims.
“This individual and his accomplice preyed on the vulnerability of older people, and recently widows deceived their hard life savings.
“Thanks to those victims who bravely report this to law enforcement and our outstanding relationships with our domestic and law enforcement partners abroad; we are able to disclose this reprehensible plan and hold criminals involved in IT accountable.
Authorities revealed that Akporugo was arrested a few days before the wedding, using his fake identity to contact victims on social media, build trust, and then manipulate them to send funds for virtual commercial businesses or fabricated personal emergencies.
As part of his plea deal, Akporugo admitted to recruiting victims primarily through platforms such as Facebook and directing them to deposit money into accounts belonging to him or his accomplices.
Then most of the stolen money was transferred overseas.
In addition to cash and wire transfers, Akporugo convinced the victim to open up the credit line in his name and to purchase a luxury car for others in at least one situation.
In years of investigations conducted by U.S. immigration and customs law enforcement, authorities identified more than 25 victims, most of whom are elderly or have retired.
The total loss of the scam is more than $3 million.
“Unfortunately, the victims of romance suffered huge financial losses, sometimes forming their lifetime savings.
“The prey of these fraudsters is often too embarrassing to stand up and report the incident to law enforcement. Although this is an understandable reaction, victims are encouraged to step up because their stories may help others’ future victims.”
Akporugo will be sentenced on June 6 by U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge.
He faces fines of up to 20 years in federal prison, with a maximum of $250,000.
He will continue to be detained before the hearing.
In May 2024, the highly anticipated wedding underwent an unexpected turn when the bride and groom, Darlington Akporugo, 46, and Jasmin Sood, 35, were arrested a few days before the ceremony.
