A Nigerian national, Darlington Akporugo, has admitted to his involvement in a romance scam that defrauded over $3 million from victims across the United States. The scheme primarily targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals. Akporugo pleaded guilty on February 28 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, as well as wire fraud and aiding and abetting.
The investigation was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over several years. Chad Plantz, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge, stated: "This individual and his co-conspirators preyed on the vulnerability of the elderly and recently widowed to defraud them of their hard-earned life savings."
Akporugo's operation was based in Houston but had victims from Chicago to Kentucky. He used online platforms like Facebook to initiate fake romances with victims, convincing them to send money under false pretenses such as investments or personal emergencies.
In his plea agreement, Akporugo confessed to managing bank accounts where victims' funds were deposited before being transferred overseas. Additionally, he acknowledged persuading some victims to open lines of credit or make purchases for him, including a luxury vehicle.
Authorities identified more than 25 victims involved in this fraudulent scheme, most of whom were retired or elderly. Akporugo is set for sentencing on June 6 and could face up to 20 years in federal prison along with a possible fine of $250,000. Until then, he remains in custody.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter handled the prosecution of this case.
