Chinedu Ekuma, a 45-year-old resident of Catasauqua, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on March 13 to 12 months and one day in prison for defrauding victims of nearly $2 million through various internet scams, according to United States Attorney David Metcalf. The sentence also includes two years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine, and restitution totaling $1,751,968. United States District Judge John M. Gallagher handed down the sentence.
Ekuma pleaded guilty in November of last year to two counts of wire fraud. Prosecutors said that from August 2020 through March 2023, he participated in a scheme that targeted both individuals and businesses by using false pretenses and promises to obtain money and property.
According to court filings and admissions by Ekuma, some victims believed they were investing in legitimate opportunities that did not exist. Others were deceived through romance or friendship scams. Ekuma owned Intelaris Solutions, LLC and Verge Capital, opening several bank accounts under these entities' names.
Victims were instructed to send payments to these accounts under the impression they belonged to the intended recipients. In reality, Ekuma controlled the accounts and neither company had any legitimate connection with the victims. After receiving funds from the fraudulent activities, Ekuma transferred most proceeds to co-schemers while keeping some for himself.
The scheme resulted in losses exceeding $1.75 million for victims and attempted an additional $650,000 in losses. Investigations were conducted by FBI Philadelphia’s Allentown Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Francis A. Weber prosecuted the case.
