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Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Role in Multi-Million Dollar Romance Scam
OKLAHOMA CITY – In a shocking turn of events, Abdul Waris Akinsanya, a 26-year-old Nigerian citizen living in Oklahoma City, was sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud others, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to court documents, Akinsanya conspired with co-conspirators to trick a victim from Alabama into sending $2,650 in money orders through the mail. The scheme, known as a romance scam, involves fraudsters using fake personas to gain the trust of victims, leading to financial exploitation.
On May 4, 2023, Akinsanya was charged by Information with conspiracy to defraud. The Information alleges that Akinsanya opened an account at City National Bank using an alias and a forged passport in May 2020. He later deposited the money orders into the City National Bank account.
In a plea deal on October 12, 2023, Akinsanya admitted to setting up bank accounts under false names, where he would deposit money obtained through romance scams, keeping a percentage of the money for his role in the scheme.
At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Akinsanya to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and $2,650 in restitution. The court noted the sophisticated nature of the scheme and the seriousness of the offense.
The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Farrior prosecuted the case.
Akinsanya’s sentencing serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit others through romance scams. The public is urged to be cautious when engaging with individuals online and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: Oklahoma
- Category: Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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