Amidst a surge in cybercrime targeting vulnerable individuals, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has taken decisive action against seven Nigerian nationals accused of participating in elaborate romance scams.
The individuals, identified as Bolanle Christina Odeyale, Oghenemine Jeffrey Agbroko, Charles Owhonigho Emurotu, Jimmy Iwezu, Lori Tsoritse, Rukevwe Solomon Ologban, and Christopher Onyedikachi Okereke, are alleged to have collaborated with Nigerian fraudsters, commonly known as "Yahoo Boys," to orchestrate romance scams across the United States. Using fictitious online personas, they preyed on lonely individuals, particularly targeting elderly citizens, and exploited their trust to extort funds under pretenses of medical emergencies and financial hardships.
The indictment, filed by a grand jury on February 14, highlights the intricate network of money laundering and wire fraud orchestrated by the accused. Operating in collaboration with "Utah Money Transmitters," they facilitated the transfer of fraud proceeds outside the U.S., utilizing newly opened U.S. bank accounts to receive funds from victims and distribute them to their co-conspirators in Nigeria.
The FBI's investigation underscores the pervasive threat of cybercrime and the urgent need for international cooperation to combat such illicit activities.
