Three Nigerians Face U.S. Charges Over Alleged Online Romance Fraud Scheme
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
Three Nigerian nationals have been formally charged in the United States in connection with an alleged international fraud operation that targeted victims through online romance scams.
According to court filings in Rhode Island, the suspects — William Elvis (35), Moses Kolawole Hezekiah (34), and Destiny Okobeni Oghentega (30) — are accused of conspiring to commit wire fraud.
Prosecutors claim the trio participated in a coordinated scheme designed to deceive individuals, including vulnerable victims, into sending money under false pretences.
Investigators allege the operation began around 2021 and involved the use of fake identities across digital platforms. The suspects reportedly posed as professionals working abroad, initiating contact with victims and gradually building trust through consistent communication.
Once relationships were established, the suspects are said to have requested financial assistance, citing false emergencies such as medical issues, legal troubles, or personal hardship. These appeals were designed to create urgency and encourage repeated payments.
Funds were reportedly transferred through various channels, including gift cards, cryptocurrency transactions, and direct bank deposits. Law enforcement officials noted that such methods are often used to complicate efforts to trace and recover stolen money.
The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), also found that some of the identities used in the scheme may have been stolen from unsuspecting individuals, adding another layer to the alleged deception.
Authorities further revealed that financial transactions and communications linked to the case were traced back to Nigeria, connecting the accused to the broader operation.
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