El Paso Standard

A Nigerian national, Darlington Akporugo, has pleaded guilty to charges related to a romance scheme that defrauded over $3 million from individuals across the United States. The scheme primarily targeted elderly and vulnerable populations.

The investigation was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and culminated in Akporugo's conviction in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. He admitted guilt to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, as well as wire fraud, aiding, and abetting.

"This individual and his co-conspirators preyed on the vulnerability of the elderly and recently widowed to defraud them of their hard-earned life savings," stated ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. He credited the success of the case to victims who reported the crime and collaboration with law enforcement partners both domestically and abroad.

Akporugo confessed to being a central figure in this long-running romance scam based out of Houston. The operation involved deceiving victims through online romances, persuading them to send money under false pretenses such as investing in fictitious businesses or addressing invented personal emergencies.

He further admitted using social media platforms like Facebook to approach potential victims, directing them to transfer funds into accounts he controlled or those managed by his associates. These funds were often sent overseas.

Authorities identified more than 25 victims during their investigation, most of whom were retired or elderly. In addition to financial transactions, Akporugo had some victims open lines of credit in his name or purchase luxury items for him.

Akporugo is scheduled for sentencing on June 6, where he could face up to 20 years in federal prison along with a potential fine of $250,000. He remains in custody until then.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.