A Nigerian man, Darlington Akporugo, has admitted in a U.S. court that he orchestrated a romance fraud scheme that drained over $3 million from elderly and vulnerable people across the country. The case, which was heard in the Southern District of Texas, has put global attention once again on online romance scams and how some Nigerians continue to make the country a headline for the wrong reasons.
Akporugo, a 47-year-old undocumented immigrant in the United States, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which led the multi-year investigation, described his activities as a deliberate targeting of those at their weakest point. “This individual and his co-conspirators preyed on the vulnerability of the elderly and recently widowed to defraud them of their hard-earned life savings,” said ICE agent Chad Plantz.
Romance Fraud Preyed on the Lonely and Elderly
According to court documents, Akporugo and his group used social media platforms like Facebook to contact lonely, elderly individuals, mostly women who were recently widowed or isolated. They built fake emotional relationships with these victims and convinced them to invest in non-existent businesses or help with imaginary emergencies.
From Kentucky to Chicago, Akporugo’s team told lies that sounded like love. He directed the victims to send money to accounts he or his partners controlled. Some victims were even tricked into opening credit lines or buying him luxury goods, including a car. ICE said over 25 people were swindled in the romance fraud, many of whom were retired and living off savings.
Nigerian Man in $3M Romance Fraud Targets Elderly Now Faces 20 Years
While the romance fraud case might sound like another faraway U.S. legal drama, it cuts deep for Nigerians who are tired of the country’s name being tied to fraud. Once again, one man’s greed has become a global headline that drags down millions of honest Nigerians.
Akporugo, who has been in custody since the investigation began, will be sentenced on June 6. He could face up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter is prosecuting the case.
And for many, the real heartbreak is how easily fraud wears the mask of affection.
