U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe | U.S. Department of Justice
A Nigerian national, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, has admitted guilt in a U.S. District Court for orchestrating an inheritance fraud scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals across the United States. The plea was entered in the Southern District of Florida.
Court documents reveal that Ogbata, aged 36, was part of a group that deceived victims by sending letters falsely claiming to be from a Spanish bank representative. These letters suggested recipients were due a multimillion-dollar inheritance from a deceased overseas relative. Victims were misled into paying fees purportedly necessary to receive their inheritance, which never materialized. In his guilty plea, Ogbata acknowledged defrauding over $6 million from more than 400 victims.
U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe emphasized the reach of American justice: “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, to include the elderly.” He added that transnational criminals would face justice regardless of their location.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton highlighted international cooperation's importance in tackling such crimes: “This case is a testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime.”
Acting Postal Inspector Steven Hodges praised the partnership between various agencies: “This guilty plea is a testament to the dedicated partnership between the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, HSI and USPIS to protect our citizens from these scams.”
Special Agent Francisco B. Burrola noted law enforcement's commitment: “HSI and our law enforcement partners’ commitment to investigate criminals who steal money sends a clear message: justice will prevail.”
Ogbata faces sentencing on April 14 by U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman and could receive up to 20 years in prison.
This case follows previous convictions related to this scheme involving co-conspirators from the UK, Spain, and Nigeria. Sentences have ranged from 82 months to 128 months for those involved.
The investigation is being conducted by USPIS, HSI, and the Consumer Protection Branch with assistance from several international agencies.
Victims or those aware of elder financial fraud can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 for support and guidance on reporting such crimes.
