Nigerian sentenced to prison for $700,000 romance scam in US
A Nigerian man, Charles Nnamdi Emesim, has been sentenced to 115 months in a US prison for his role in a large-scale romance and internet fraud scheme. Authorities say Emesim laundered over $700,000 from at least 23 victims through various scams. The court described his actions as “heartless and unquestionably reprehensible,” with severe financial and emotional harm caused to victims. Law enforcement officials emphasized their commitment to prosecuting such crimes.
What happened
- Charles Nnamdi Emesim was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering linked to romance, lottery, inheritance, investment, government imposter, and medical expense scams.
- Investigators found that between December 9, 2013, and June 28, 2024, Emesim operated at least 17 bank accounts under his name and his companies, Chadon Export and Chadon Trucking.
- At least 23 victims across the US were defrauded of more than $700,000, with funds sent through various payment methods into accounts controlled by Emesim.
- One elderly widow was deceived into believing she was in a romantic relationship and met a supposed customs agent, who was later identified as Emesim impersonating “Samuel Rock.”
- Authorities said Emesim withdrew victims’ funds in cash or transferred them to relatives and businesses in Nigeria, and he is required to serve 85 per cent of his sentence with three years of supervision after release.
