Darlington Akporugo, a 47-year-old Nigerian, has pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud and conspiracy linked to an extensive romance scam targeting victims across the United States, including many elderly individuals.
The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District, Nicholas J. Ganjei, confirmed Akporugo’s guilty plea, revealing his pivotal role in a long-running scam that spanned locations from Chicago to Kentucky.
Akporugo, arrested just a month before his planned wedding, acknowledged his involvement in a scheme that saw him collaborate with accomplices to build deceptive online relationships with victims.
He manipulated them into sending money to accounts under his control, continuing the fraudulent operation for an extended period.
The scam involved using fake identities on social media platforms, primarily Facebook, to build trust with victims before persuading them to invest in fake businesses or assist with fabricated emergencies.
As part of his plea, Akporugo acknowledged using social media to approach victims, directing them to transfer funds to his accounts or those of his co-conspirators, often overseas.
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In addition to wire transfers, he convinced victims to open lines of credit in his name and, in at least one case, purchase a luxury vehicle for his personal use.
The multi-year investigation identified over 25 victims, most of whom were retired or elderly, with total losses exceeding $3 million.
“Victims of romance scams often suffer devastating financial losses, sometimes wiping out their entire life savings,” said Ganjei.
“These crimes leave many too embarrassed to speak out, but we encourage victims to come forward to help prevent others from falling prey to such fraud.”
Akporugo will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge on June 6.
He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a potential $250,000 fine. He remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing.
