Nigerian Couple Sentenced for Online Fraud Leading to Deportation

Edwin Okoronkwo, a Nigerian citizen, has been sentenced to 75 months in prison for scamming Americans through fraudulent online schemes, alongside his wife Julie, who received a 25-month sentence. Both will face deportation after completing their sentences, and Edwin has been ordered to pay significant restitution to victims.

The United States Department of Justice has announced the impending deportation of Edwin Okoronkwo, a Nigerian citizen sentenced to 75 months in prison for committing fraud against American victims. His wife, Julie Okoronkwo, who was involved in the fraudulent activities, received a 25-month prison sentence. They targeted unsuspecting Americans through catfishing schemes, where they posed as high-ranking military members to deceive victims into sending money.

The fraudulent couple, permanent residents of the U.S., utilized stolen identities and online personas to manipulate victims. Julie Okoronkwo made phone calls to bolster the legitimacy of their claims, convincing victims of their fabricated circumstances. Their scams led to substantial financial losses for victims who were tricked into sending money via the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers.

Following their arrest, Edwin was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft. During the legal proceedings, he was ordered to pay $342,535 in restitution to his victims, alongside a three-year supervised release upon completion of his sentence. Immigration authorities will proceed with his deportation after his prison term ends.

The U.S. Attorney’s office highlighted the serious nature of Edwin Okoronkwo’s crimes, labeling them as a tragedy for the victims affected. Julie Okoronkwo had already been sentenced prior to Edwin, underscoring the legal repercussions of their fraudulent activities. Emphasizing the harsh penalty, it was noted that federal prison sentences do not allow for parole, thus ensuring they serve their full terms in incarceration.

In recent years, the prevalence of online fraud has surged, with tactics such as catfishing becoming increasingly common. Catfishing typically involves impersonating someone else online to manipulate or trick individuals into giving away personal information or money. The case involving Edwin and Julie Okoronkwo exemplifies how perpetrators can exploit technology and social media to orchestrate elaborate fraud schemes targeting vulnerable individuals.

The case of Edwin and Julie Okoronkwo represents a significant legal response to fraudulent schemes exploiting online deception. With substantial prison terms and restitution ordered, this situation illustrates the severe consequences of catfishing and related fraud activities. The individuals involved will face deportation following their imprisonment, highlighting the intersection of criminal justice and immigration policy in addressing fraud cases.

Original Source: punchng.com