A U.S. federal court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a combined 159 years in prison for operating a large-scale fraud scheme that defrauded over 100 individuals, businesses, and government institutions across the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed the convictions after a lengthy investigation into the transnational crime ring, which used romance scams, business email compromises, unemployment insurance fraud, and bogus investment offers to swindle victims, many of them elderly and vulnerable. Those convicted include Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke, who were all found guilty of playing central roles in the fraud operation which ran from January 2017 for several years. Court records revealed the group exploited online dating sites and other channels to deceive victims into fake relationships and business deals. After collecting funds, they laundered the money through multiple bank accounts and transferred it to accomplices in Africa and Asia. In total, the operation fraudulently obtained about $17 million, devastating victims financially and emotionally. U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant sentenced Chidindu Okeke, Chiagoziem Okeke, and Edgal Iribhogbe to 40 years each. Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen was handed 30 years and five months, while Damilola Kumapayi, who pleaded guilty, received nine years and one month. Prosecutors noted that some victims lost their life savings, leading to lasting emotional and financial damage. U.S. officials praised the collaboration of law enforcement agencies and reiterated the government’s resolve to dismantle international fraud networks.