A 45-year-old Nigerian, Okeoghene Patrick Udugba, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in the United States over an alleged romance scam and business email compromise scheme that reportedly defrauded a US government agency of more than $300,000.
Udugba, who resides in Frisco, Texas, faces charges of money laundering as well as conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud.
The indictment was announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, which accused Udugba and others of operating overlapping romance scam and business email compromise schemes.
Prosecutors alleged that victims were recruited through social media and dating websites before being deceived into sending money under false pretences.
The alleged scheme also involved fake government invoices and fraudulent financial transactions, resulting in losses exceeding $300,000 to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
If convicted, Udugba could face significant prison time under US federal law.
