Seven Nigerian individuals have been apprehended and charged in connection with their alleged roles as intermediaries in a $8 million romance scam. The suspects, identified as:

* Bolanle Christina Odeyale
* Oghenemine Jeffrey Agbroko
* Charles Owhonigho Emurotu
* Jimmy Iwezu
* Lori Tsoritse
* Christopher Onyedikachi Okereke
* Rukevwe Solomon Ologban

are accused of working with a Utah-based money laundering operation from March 2018 to June 2019.

The primary perpetrators of the scams, known as “Yahoo Boys,” operated from Nigeria. They allegedly created fictitious online personas and engaged in romantic relationships with victims, gaining their trust and then using false pretenses to solicit funds. Many elderly victims lost significant amounts of money, including life savings and retirement funds.

The Utah Money Transmitters facilitated the laundering of the stolen funds by opening accounts at US financial institutions. They collected money from victims and distributed it to the co-conspirators, concealing the true destination of the funds and the identities of the Yahoo Boys.

The defendants face charges of wire fraud, wire fraud conspiracy, and money laundering conspiracy. Their initial court appearance is scheduled for a later date at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City. CONTINUE READING