Darlington Akporugo, a 47-year-old Nigerian national residing illegally in the United States, has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a complex romance scam that defrauded over 25 victims, primarily elderly and retired individuals, of more than $3 million. Operating from Houston, Texas, Akporugo and his accomplices employed social media platforms, particularly Facebook, to establish fraudulent online relationships with unsuspecting individuals across the country. After gaining their victims’ trust, Akporugo would fabricate stories of financial hardship, business ventures requiring investment, or personal emergencies, manipulating his victims into transferring funds to bank accounts under his control. A significant portion of the stolen money was then funneled overseas.
Akporugo’s scheme extended beyond simple cash and wire transfers. He also persuaded victims to open lines of credit in his name, leveraging their creditworthiness for his personal gain. In one instance, he even convinced a victim to purchase a luxury vehicle for him. This elaborate web of deceit spanned several years, preying on the vulnerability of individuals seeking companionship and connection online. The emotional and financial devastation inflicted on the victims was substantial, with some losing their entire life savings to Akporugo’s manipulative tactics.
The investigation, led by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), uncovered the extensive nature of the fraud and identified the numerous victims scattered across the country. Akporugo’s arrest occurred just a month before his planned wedding to Jasmin Sood, who was also implicated in the scheme. Their wedding website, which detailed their upcoming nuptials in Houston, became a stark contrast to the criminal charges they now face. The couple’s alleged seven-year scheme highlights the growing prevalence of online romance scams and the devastating impact they have on victims.
Akporugo’s guilty plea encompasses charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, as well as wire fraud and aiding and abetting. He faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. His sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge. He will remain in custody pending the hearing. The case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of online relationships and the importance of verifying the identities and intentions of individuals encountered online.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the devastating financial and emotional toll these scams take on victims, often leaving them reluctant to come forward due to embarrassment or shame. However, they stressed the importance of reporting such incidents to prevent further victimization and assist in bringing perpetrators to justice. The successful prosecution of Akporugo is a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the bravery of the victims who came forward to share their stories.
This case underscores the need for increased awareness and vigilance in the online dating landscape. While online platforms can facilitate connections and relationships, they also provide fertile ground for scammers seeking to exploit vulnerable individuals. Protecting oneself from online romance scams requires a cautious approach, thorough verification of information, and a healthy skepticism towards requests for financial assistance or personal information. By educating oneself about the common tactics employed by scammers and reporting suspicious activity, individuals can contribute to a safer online environment and protect themselves and others from becoming victims of these devastating schemes.
