A Nigerian national has pleaded guilty in a US federal court for running a transnational inheritance fraud scheme that stole millions from elderly and vulnerable victims.
According to court documents, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, 36, was part of a fraud ring that operated for several years, deceiving hundreds of people across the United States.
The scheme involved:
- Sending fake letters to elderly victims, claiming they were entitled to a multimillion-dollar inheritance from a deceased relative overseas.
- Posing as representatives of a Spanish bank to make the scam appear legitimate.
- Demanding victims send money for delivery fees, taxes, and other costs before receiving their supposed inheritance.
- Using previous victims in the US to collect and forward money to the fraudsters.
Victims never received any inheritance funds. Instead, Ogbata and his co-conspirators managed to steal over $6 million from more than 400 victims before being caught.
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Authorities Take Action
The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including the US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
International cooperation played a key role, with support from law enforcement in Portugal, the UK, and Spain.
Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of HSI Arizona, said:
“Transnational fraud schemes thrive in the shadows, turning illicit gains into a facade of legitimacy, especially those involving seniors or other vulnerable people.
“HSI and our law enforcement partners commitment to investigate criminals who steal money sends a clear message: justice will prevail, and those who exploit others for personal gain will be held accountable. We thank all our partners who assisted in this investigation.”
Sentencing and Co-Conspirators
On Jan. 15, Ogbata pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. He now faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for April 14 by U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on the fraud network. Several co-conspirators from Nigeria, Spain, and the UK have already been convicted and sentenced:
- Ezennia Peter Neboh (extradited from Spain) – 128 months
- Kennedy Ikponmwosa (extradited from Spain) – 97 months
- Emmanuel Samuel (extradited from the UK) – 82 months
- Jerry Chucks Ozor (extradited from the UK) – 87 months
- Iheanyichukwu Jonathan Abraham (extradited from the UK) – 90 months
- Prince Amos Okey Ezemma (paroled from Nigeria) – 90 months
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Protecting Against Fraud
Authorities urge the public to be cautious of inheritance scams and other fraudulent schemes. If you or someone you know is 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, assistance is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311).
Victims can also report fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call 877-FTC-HELP.
For more information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat elder fraud, visit the Elder Justice Initiative webpage at www.justice.gov.
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Final Takeaway
This case serves as a stark reminder that fraudsters often prey on the most vulnerable. With law enforcement agencies working across borders, authorities remain committed to ensuring that justice is served and victims are protected.
