Three Sentenced in International Fraud Scheme

Three men have been sentenced for their involvement in a fraudulent scheme that stole over $2 million from vulnerable Americans, particularly the elderly, from 2017 to 2022. The fraud, which originated in Nigeria, utilized online dating and social media to build fake relationships with victims before soliciting money. Fatai Okunola, 38, received the harshest sentence of 121 months in prison, along with significant restitution payments. Oluwaseyi Adeola, 34, was sentenced to 34 months, while Ijeoma Adeola, 36, received three years of probation for his lesser role. U.S. Attorney Mark Totten emphasized the emotional and financial toll on victims, many of whom lost their savings due to the defendants' deceitful tactics. The investigation highlighted the use of modern technology to perpetrate the fraud, prompting a commitment to pursue justice for affected individuals.