https://turnto10.com/news/local/co-conspirator-in-romance-scam-targeting-seniors-to-be-sentenced-in-federal-court-rhode-island-victims-money-laundering-guilty-plea-october-8-2024

Rhode Island U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that a man that played a leading role in a romance scam and money laundering conspiracy was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.

According to federal prosecutors, the group targeted elder widows and divorcees in Rhode Island, nationally and overseas locations such as Nigeria, out of millions of dollars.

Wisdom Oghenekaro Onyobeno, 44, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, and wire fraud last year, according to officials.

He was sentenced to ten years and one month in prison on Tuesday.

Federal prosecutors said Onyobeno and others created false personas and used online game apps and dating apps to befriend and target potential victims.

They would then use emotional appeal to gain victims’ trust to convince them to send money to help a personal crisis, according to authorities.

“In some instances, conspirators falsely claimed to be military members stationed overseas, who needed funds to send their belongings home or to travel back to the U.S.; in other cases, they claimed to be U.S. contractors stuck on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Federal prosecutors said the victims were ordered to mail checks or wire money to Onyobeno or co-conspirators.

The funds were then laundered through business entities Onyobeno and others created.

According to court documents, some victims lost more than $5.8 million through this scam.

“To those who believe that they can help themselves to the hard-earned savings of Rhode Islanders through deception and fraud, wherever you are, know that we will find you and bring you to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha. “And to members of the public– I implore you- be skeptical of requests for funds from anyone you don’t know well, and take steps to protect yourself.”