Three were sentenced for defrauding elderly victims through wire and mail fraud.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Kalamazoo man was sentenced to 121 months in prison Wednesday for his role in a sprawling international fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. This international fraud scheme involved two accomplices from Dallas, Texas, who received lesser sentences for their involvement in the conspiracy, which exploited internet and mail systems to bilk over $2 million from victims, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. These international fraud schemes highlight the dangers faced by elderly citizens.
Sentencing Highlights Lengthy Investigation
The principal defendant, Fatai Okunola, 38, of Kalamazoo, orchestrated the fraudulent activities with individuals based primarily in Nigeria. Along with his prison sentence, Okunola was ordered to pay restitution of $731,879.16. In addition, he received concurrent sentences of 60 months for making false statements during his naturalization process and 120 months for laundering the fraud’s proceeds. Okunola will face deportation following his prison term.
This case is a stark reminder of how international fraud schemes can devastate lives and finances, especially among the elderly community.
Co-defendants Oluwaseyi Adeola, 34, and Ijeoma Adeola, 36, both of Dallas, received 34 months’ imprisonment and three years of probation, respectively. They were ordered to pay restitution amounts of $409,968.93 and $48,570.
A fourth conspirator, Cory McDougal, 33, of Illinois, awaits sentencing.
How the Scheme Operated
Understanding the tactics used in international fraud schemes is crucial for prevention. Victims often fall prey to sophisticated manipulation techniques, leaving them vulnerable.
These funds often end up financing further international fraud schemes, deepening the cycle of exploitation.
Court records reveal that the defendants, between 2017 and 2022, used fake online personas to gain victims’ trust via romantic relationships, business offers, or loan opportunities. Conspirators abroad manipulated their victims through phone calls, social media, and emails. They relied on advanced technology like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to appear that their communications originated in the U.S.
The ripple effect of these international fraud schemes impacts not just the victims but also their families and communities.
Once victims agreed to send money, the defendants used shell businesses, aliases, and false post office boxes to receive the funds. Sometimes, the money was funneled through peer-to-peer payment services like Zelle and PayPal before being transferred to overseas accounts or used for personal gain, including automobile purchases sent to Nigeria.
Combatting these international fraud schemes requires collective vigilance from law enforcement and community members alike.
By raising awareness of international fraud schemes, we can better protect ourselves and those we care about.
Federal agencies are actively working on dismantling these international fraud schemes to bring justice to victims.
Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar emphasized the importance of community awareness in combating international fraud schemes.
“These defendants exploited the trust of elderly and vulnerable individuals, leaving some victims financially devastated,” said U.S. Attorney Mark A. Totten. “Their crimes highlight the dark side of the technology we rely on every day.”
Understanding how to identify and avoid international fraud schemes can save individuals from significant financial loss.
Impact on Victims and Community
According to prosecutors, many victims experienced severe financial hardships, including drained retirement accounts and mortgage loans taken against their homes. The defendants allegedly laundered over $2 million in total.
Ultimately, knowledge and prevention strategies against international fraud schemes are key to safeguarding our communities.
“Today’s sentencing underscores our commitment to dismantling international fraud schemes and protecting vulnerable victims,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Detroit Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Federal Agencies Lead Multi-Year Effort
The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were instrumental in investigating the fraud. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety also contributed to the case.
Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar of HSI Detroit urged vigilance: “These cases are a reminder to check in on elderly family members to protect them from sophisticated scams.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone who suspects Internet crime to file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).
Preventing Future Fraud
Law enforcement advises the public to take the following steps to avoid becoming a victim:
- Be cautious of unsolicited communications.
- Never share sensitive information or financial details with unverified individuals or businesses.
- Resist high-pressure tactics designed to create urgency.
- Discontinue contact immediately if you suspect a scam.
“This case’s resolution sends a clear message: justice will be served for those who prey on vulnerable Americans,” added Hopkins.
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