A Nigerian national, Okezie Ogbata, has been charged in Florida, United States, for defrauding more than 400 elderly and vulnerable Americans of over $6 million.
Ogbata, 36, was found guilty last Wednesday by the Southern District of Florida for his involvement in a sophisticated transnational inheritance fraud scheme.
According to the US Department of Justice, Ogbata and his co-conspirators tricked victims into sending money for “delivery fees,” “taxes,” and other fabricated payments to avoid government scrutiny.
They posed as representatives of a Spanish bank and falsely claimed that the victims were set to inherit millions of dollars from a deceased relative abroad.
In his guilty plea, Ogbata admitted to targeting more than 400 individuals, many of whom were elderly or in vulnerable situations.
“This case highlights the crucial role of international cooperation in combating transnational crimes,” said General Brian Boynton, the Head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
Ogbata is set to face sentencing by US District Judge Roy Altman on April 14, 2025. He could face up to 20 years in prison for his role in the scam.
