A 47-year-old Nigerian, Darlington Akporugo, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy in a U.S. court over a large-scale romance scam that defrauded elderly victims of over $3 million, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that Akporugo was a key player in a Houston-based scam that targeted individuals across the United States, from Chicago to Kentucky. Working with accomplices, he posed as a romantic partner online, gaining victims’ trust before persuading them to send money to bank accounts under his control.
Details of the Scheme
Akporugo, an illegal immigrant in the U.S., pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to charges of wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy.
The scam involved over 25 victims, mostly elderly or retired individuals.
He used fake identities on social media platforms like Facebook to lure victims, convincing them to send money for fraudulent business ventures or fake personal emergencies.
Victims also opened credit lines in his name, and one even purchased a luxury vehicle for him.
Much of the stolen money was transferred overseas.
Law Enforcement Response
ICE Special Agent Chad Plantz condemned the scam, stating:
“This individual and his co-conspirators preyed on the vulnerable, defrauding them of their hard-earned savings. Thanks to victims who bravely came forward, we were able to expose this scheme and hold them accountable.”
Authorities arrested Akporugo just a month before his wedding, during an extensive multi-year investigation led by ICE.
Legal Consequences
Sentencing Date: June 6, 2025
Potential Penalty: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine
He remains in custody pending the hearing
Previous Arrest of Akporugo and Fiancée
In May 2024, Akporugo and his fiancée, Jasmin Sood, were arrested just days before their wedding in Houston, Texas. The couple allegedly ran a seven-year scam, primarily targeting widowed victims through dating sites and social media.
Authorities continue to encourage victims of romance scams to report such crimes, emphasizing that public awareness can prevent future victimization.
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