Nigerian man jailed 115 months in US over $700,000 romance scam
Nigerian National Sentenced to 115 Months for Romance Fraud Scheme
A Nigerian national, Charles Nnamdi Emesim, has been sentenced to 115 months in prison for his role in a romance and internet fraud scheme that defrauded victims of more than $700,000. U.S. District Judge Robert Wier imposed the sentence on Emesim, 53, during a hearing on Wednesday.
According to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Emesim, a legal resident of Newark, New Jersey, was convicted of conspiracy to commit money laundering linked to a series of internet frauds, including romance scams, lottery schemes, inheritance fraud, investment scams, government impersonation, and medical expense fraud.
Investigators reported that the fraudulent operations spanned from December 9, 2013, to June 28, 2024. Emesim was said to have operated at least 17 bank accounts under his name and through two companies, Chadon Export and Chadon Trucking.
Authorities indicated that at least 23 individuals across the United States were deceived into transferring over $700,000 through various means, including cash deposits and wire transfers, to accounts associated with Emesim.
One notable case involved an elderly widow from Kentucky who was entangled in a romance scam with a person posing as Michael Oliver. The victim believed she was in a genuine relationship before being introduced to a supposed customs official, Samuel Rock, who claimed he could help facilitate a transfer of wealth.
The woman subsequently met the alleged official at Lexington Airport and handed him additional funds, including a purchase of a computer tablet for him. The Justice Department confirmed that Emesim was the individual who impersonated the customs agent during this meeting.
As a result of her involvement, the victim lost tens of thousands of dollars, which she sent through cash payments, cashier’s checks, and gift cards attributed to Emesim and his associates.
Investigators reported that Emesim often withdrew victims’ funds in cash or transferred them to family members and associates in Nigeria.
Jason Parman, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, characterized romance scams and related financial crimes as predatory and exploitative. “These criminals do not see victims as people; they see them as targets,” he stated.
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Louisville Field Office, Olivia Olson, noted that Emesim targeted vulnerable individuals for over a decade. The sentencing reflects law enforcement’s commitment to tackling financial fraud schemes.
During the sentencing hearing, the court described Emesim’s conduct as “heartless and unquestionably reprehensible,” emphasizing the substantial financial, emotional, and psychological toll on victims.
Under federal law, Emesim will serve at least 85% of his prison term and will be subject to three years of supervised release following his incarceration. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf leading the prosecution.
