A federal judge in Wilmington has sentenced a Nigerian man, Saheed Sunday Owolabi, to 15 years in prison for his role in defrauding victims across the United States and laundering more than $1.5 million to Nigeria.
A jury found Owolabi guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, following an investigation into a sophisticated international fraud scheme targeting vulnerable individuals.
Authorities Highlight Sophisticated International Fraud Network
Announcing the sentence, Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, condemned the scheme and warned others involved in similar crimes.
“Who hasn’t suffered some form of the ‘Nigerian Prince’ schemes. Inmate Owolabi, no prince, stole from our vulnerable citizens,” Boyle said. “This case shows that if you try to defraud the citizens of the Eastern District of North Carolina, our office will bring you to justice no matter where you are. Cheaters. Never. Win.”
Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Charlotte office, said the case demonstrates the global reach and complexity of cyber-enabled fraud operations.
“This conviction underscores the FBI’s unwavering commitment to identifying, disrupting, and dismantling international fraud and money laundering networks who target victims across the United States,” Davis said. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue anyone who targets the U.S. to commit fraud and ensure they are brought to face justice in our courts.”
Romance Scam Targeted Victims Across the U.S.
Prosecutors said Owolabi carried out a romance scam by posing as a woman online to build relationships with men in the United States. Once trust was established, he and his co-conspirators persuaded victims to send money and sensitive financial information.
The scheme also involved using victims’ bank accounts to launder proceeds from other fraudulent activities. Authorities said Owolabi personally stole more than $120,000 from a victim in the Eastern District of North Carolina, among many others targeted nationwide.
At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II determined that Owolabi played a leading role in an extensive criminal operation. The court found that he acted as an organizer, engaged in sophisticated money laundering, and caused significant financial harm to victims.
Prosecutors also presented images recovered from Owolabi’s phone at the time of his arrest, which they said showed him spending the stolen money lavishly.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad DeVoe leading the prosecution.
Officials said the sentencing sends a strong message that international fraudsters targeting Americans will be pursued and held accountable, regardless of where they operate.
