Defendants Sentenced for Their Role in $17 Million Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly
Table of Contents
- Defendants Sentenced for Their Role in $17 Million Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly
- Details of the Fraud Scheme
- The Defendants and Their Sentences
- Law Enforcement’s Response
- Impact on Victims
- Key Figures in the Fraud Case
- Understanding Transnational Fraud and Its Impact
- Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Schemes
- What are the most common types of fraud schemes targeting the elderly?
- How can I protect myself from becoming a victim of fraud?
- What should I do if I think I’ve been a victim of fraud?
- What is business email compromise (BEC)?
- How are law enforcement agencies combating transnational fraud?
- What role does money laundering play in fraud schemes?
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SHERMAN, Texas – In a critically important victory for justice, six defendants have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms for their roles in a complex fraud scheme that swindled approximately $17 million from victims across the globe, with a particular focus on elderly and vulnerable individuals. The sentencings, handed down by U.S.District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on June 16, 2025, mark the culmination of a multi-year inquiry into a transnational organized crime syndicate.
Details of the Fraud Scheme
The elaborate scheme,which began around January 2017,involved a variety of fraudulent tactics,including online romance scams,business email compromise (BEC),investor fraud,and unemployment insurance fraud. The defendants meticulously coordinated their efforts to extract money from victims, later disguising, disbursing, and laundering the ill-gotten gains through a network of bank accounts and international transfers [1].
The fraud specifically targeted elderly individuals, exploiting their trust through online dating sites and other deceptive means. Once funds were obtained, the defendants laundered the money through a complex web of bank accounts, sending funds to co-conspirators and businesses located in Africa and Asia.
Did You Know? According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), in 2024, romance scams alone resulted in over $1.3 billion in losses for victims in the United States.
The Defendants and Their Sentences
The following defendants received sentences for their involvement in the fraud scheme:
- Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 109 months in federal prison.
- Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen,50,of Plano,Texas,pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 365 months in federal prison.
- Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, Texas, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.
- Chidindu Okeke,32,of Houston,Texas,was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.
- Chiagoziem Okeke,32,of Houston,Texas,was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.
The collective sentences for thes defendants total nearly 160 years,reflecting the severity of their crimes and the dedication of law enforcement to bringing them to justice.
Law Enforcement’s Response
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Take Back America,” involved a collaborative effort by numerous law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, homeland Security Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Justice [2]. This initiative marshals resources to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.
Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R.Combs emphasized the commitment to pursuing fraudsters who prey on vulnerable populations,stating,”The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations.”
Pro Tip: Never give out personal facts over the phone or online unless you initiated the contact. Always verify the legitimacy of requests before sending money or providing sensitive data.
Impact on Victims
The fraud scheme resulted in approximately $17 million being fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities worldwide. For many victims, especially the elderly, the financial losses represented their life savings, leaving them unable to recover financially.
FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock expressed hope that the sentences would provide a sense of comfort to the victims and send a clear message that the FBI is committed to pursuing justice on their behalf.
Key Figures in the Fraud Case
| Defendant | Age | City | Conviction | Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Damilola Kumapayi | 39 | Plano | Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud | 109 Months |
| Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen | 50 | Plano | Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering | 365 months |
| Edgal Iribhogbe | 51 | Allen | Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering | 480 Months |
| Chidindu Okeke | 32 | Houston | conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering | 480 Months |
| Chiagoziem Okeke | 32 | Houston | conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering | 480 Months |
Understanding Transnational Fraud and Its Impact
Transnational fraud schemes, like the one described above, pose a significant threat to individuals and economies worldwide. These schemes often involve complex networks of individuals operating across multiple countries, making them difficult to detect and prosecute. The rise of the internet and online platforms has further facilitated these crimes, allowing fraudsters to reach a wider pool of potential victims.
The impact of these schemes can be devastating, particularly for elderly individuals who may be targeted due to their perceived vulnerability and accumulated savings. Financial losses can lead to emotional distress, loss of independence, and a diminished quality of life. Combating transnational fraud requires international cooperation, enhanced cybersecurity measures, and increased public awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fraud Schemes
What are the most common types of fraud schemes targeting the elderly?
Common schemes include romance scams,tech support scams,grandparent scams (impersonating a grandchild in need),and investment fraud.
How can I protect myself from becoming a victim of fraud?
Be wary of unsolicited requests for money or personal information, especially online. Verify the legitimacy of any requests before taking action, and never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
What should I do if I think I’ve been a victim of fraud?
Report the incident to the Federal trade Commission (FTC) and your local law enforcement agency immediately.Also, contact your bank and credit card companies to alert them to the situation.
What is business email compromise (BEC)?
BEC is a type of fraud where criminals impersonate a legitimate business or employee to trick victims into transferring funds or providing sensitive information.
How are law enforcement agencies combating transnational fraud?
Law enforcement agencies are working together internationally to share information, coordinate investigations, and prosecute fraudsters operating across borders.
What role does money laundering play in fraud schemes?
Money laundering is used to conceal the source of illegally obtained funds, making it difficult to trace the money back to the perpetrators and enabling them to continue their criminal activities.
Have you or someone you know been affected by fraud? What steps do you think are most significant to prevent these schemes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
