Nigerian citizen and U.S. lawful permanent resident Edwin Okoronkwo was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft.
Following his prison term, which started in January 2025, Okoronkwo, aged 36 will undergo a three-year supervised release and is slated for deportation by U.S. immigration authorities. He has also been ordered to pay $342,535 in restitution to seven victims.
Okoronkwo, along with his wife Julie Okoronkwo, engaged in “catfishing” schemes, creating fake online personas to deceive individuals into sending money. They often impersonated high-ranking U.S. military officials on overseas missions to gain victims’ trust.
The couple utilized stolen personal information to establish fraudulent bank and digital payment accounts, directing victims to transfer funds through services like PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, and Cash App.
These funds were then funnelled into their personal accounts or sent overseas, including to Nigeria, via international wire transfers.
Julie Okoronkwo, aged 48, was previously sentenced to 25 months in prison on January 8, 2025, for her involvement in the schemes.
She was also ordered to pay $337,535 in restitution to six victims. The couple’s fraudulent activities resulted in significant financial losses and emotional distress for their victims.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska. The authorities have emphasized the severity of such fraudulent activities and the commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice