SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A 26-year-old man from Dunwoody, Ga., has been sentenced to over two years in federal prison after a Utah federal jury convicted him for his role in a romance scam that cost victims more than $2 million.
Clinton Chukudi Uchendu was found guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering, mail fraud, and operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business. In addition to his 28-month prison sentence, Uchendu was ordered to pay $170,000 in restitution.
For several months in 2018, Uchendu played the role of a “picker” in the elaborate scheme. According to court documents, as a “picker,” Uchendu provided U.S.-based bank accounts to collect money from victims and launder the money to hide the source and final destination of the money.
His part was part of a larger scheme performed by an international group of social manipulators known as the “Yahoo Boys,” according to the United States Attorney’s Office. The group frequently sets up fake profiles online, posing as overseas United States soldiers, international businessmen, or celebrities. They then gain the trust of their victims before asking for money.
The United States calculated that the whole group caused $2.4 million in losses to victims between March and July 2018.
“Uchendu caused profound and permanent harm to victims. Many suffered significant financial loss in their final years of life and are faced with emotional trauma,” said U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah.
Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI called scammers operating under the guise of companionship and romance especially cruel due to the emotional and financial toll on victims.
Uchendu’s co-defendant, Princess Eziyi, is scheduled to be sentenced on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024.
Post a Comment