A Nigerian man, Charles Nnamdi Emesim, has been sentenced to 115 months imprisonment in the United States for his role in a large-scale romance and internet fraud scheme that reportedly defrauded victims of more than $700,000.
The sentence was handed down on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Justice on Thursday.
Authorities said Emesim, 53, a legal resident of Newark, New Jersey, was convicted for conspiracy to commit money laundering linked to multiple online and telephone-based fraud operations.
The Justice Department disclosed that the scheme involved romance scams, lottery fraud, inheritance scams, investment fraud, government impersonation scams and fake medical expense requests.
Investigators said the fraudulent activities were carried out between December 2013 and June 2024, during which the convict allegedly operated at least 17 bank accounts under his name and the names of his businesses, Chadon Export and Chadon Trucking.
According to prosecutors, Emesim routinely withdrew victims’ funds in cash and transferred large sums to relatives, businesses and associates in Nigeria.
The department stated that at least 23 victims were affected by the fraudulent scheme, with many allegedly manipulated emotionally before being convinced to part with money.
Commenting on the conviction, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Jason Parman, described romance scams and related financial crimes as predatory acts built on deception and emotional exploitation.
“He spent years helping funnel stolen money from hardworking Americans, including elderly victims who believed they were in genuine relationships,” Parman said.
He added that law enforcement agencies would continue to aggressively prosecute individuals who exploit trust and profit from fraudulent schemes.
Also reacting, FBI Louisville Field Office Special Agent in Charge, Olivia Olson, said the convict preyed on vulnerable victims for more than a decade.
She noted that the sentencing demonstrated the commitment of security agencies to pursuing individuals involved in financial scams targeting innocent citizens.
During the sentencing hearing, the court reportedly described Emesim’s actions as “heartless and unquestionably reprehensible,” noting that the crimes caused serious financial, emotional and psychological damage to victims.
Under U.S. federal law, the convict is expected to serve at least 85 per cent of his prison term and will remain under supervised release for three years after completing his sentence.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf prosecuted the matter on behalf of the U.S. government.