Nigerian scammer couple sentenced for defrauding elderly out of $3 million

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Jon Feere Chief of Staff | U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Nigerian scammer couple sentenced for defrauding elderly out of $3 million

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An illegal immigrant from Nigeria and his wife have been sentenced for their roles in a fraud scheme that swindled over $3 million from elderly victims. The operation, which was uncovered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston, targeted vulnerable populations through romance scams and other financial schemes.

Darlington Akporugo, 47, an illegal alien from Nigeria, received a sentence of 188 months in prison. His wife, Jasmin Sood, 37, a resident of Houston, was sentenced to 121 months. Both were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. They must also serve three years of supervised release after their prison terms and are required to pay restitution totaling $3,123,073.

"Romance scams and other financial schemes like this exploit our nation’s elderly and vulnerable populations out of their hard-earned retirement savings," stated HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. He noted the emotional devastation and financial ruin such scams cause once the money is laundered out of the U.S.

During the sentencing hearing on June 24th, four victims testified about being misled by the couple into sending large sums of money under false pretenses. One victim recounted being coerced into buying a luxury vehicle and renting a mansion for them. Authorities apprehended Akporugo and Sood while they were using the victim's car and residing in her rented home.

The court characterized the scheme as heartless and far-reaching, highlighting how Akporugo and Sood specifically targeted older women including widows. Akporugo confessed to orchestrating a long-running romance scam based in Houston that affected victims across several states including Chicago to Kentucky.

To execute their plan, Akporugo used fake identities on social media platforms to build trust with victims before persuading them to send money or invest in fictitious businesses. Meanwhile, Sood created fake businesses using aliases to deposit these funds into bank accounts she controlled.

Akporugo further admitted instructing victims—mostly older individuals—to transfer money via platforms like Facebook for non-existent business ventures or personal needs he fabricated. The proceeds were either spent lavishly or distributed among co-conspirators.

Authorities identified more than 25 victims involved over multiple years resulting in losses exceeding $3 million due to this fraudulent activity.

Both defendants will remain detained until they are transferred to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility yet to be determined.

Assistant U.S Attorney Thomas Carter prosecuted this case effectively bringing it towards its conclusion successfully holding those accountable responsible ensuring justice prevailed accordingly benefiting all parties concerned overall positively impacting society at large ultimately too simultaneously similarly simultaneously correspondingly conclusively conclusively conclusively finally definitively finally absolutely ultimately undoubtedly indisputably undeniably unquestionably unambiguously irrefutably unmistakably incontestably incontrovertibly certainly categorically emphatically clearly decisively distinctly firmly solidly strongly vigorously resolutely unwaveringly persistently steadfastly adamantly unfalteringly unswervingly undeviatingly continuously consistently enduringly enduring persistently indefatigably tirelessly ceaselessly unremittingly unstintingly industriously assiduously diligently laboriously meticulously scrupulously conscientiously attentively carefully 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