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Nigerien National Indicted in Romance Fraud Scheme
A Maryland man has been caught up in a brazen romance fraud scheme, allegedly scamming victims out of thousands of dollars by posing as a love interest.
Ali Habou Maman, 58, a Nigerien national residing in Frederick, Maryland, was indicted by a federal grand jury in connection with the scheme, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
According to the indictment, Maman and his co-conspirators allegedly assumed fictitious identities and posed as love interests to develop what victims believed were romantic relationships. However, the relationships were mere ruses to further the scheme.
The indictment alleges that the victims were asked to send money to pay for various expenses, including travel costs, medical bills, and other emergencies. In some cases, the victims were even asked to send money to help the defendants pay off debts or cover the cost of a funeral.
The alleged scheme has left a trail of financial devastation in its wake, with victims losing thousands of dollars in the process. The indictment does not specify the exact amount of money lost, but it is clear that the victims have been left with significant financial losses.
The indictment charges Maman with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The case is just the latest example of the growing threat of romance fraud schemes, which have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. These schemes often target vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with limited financial resources.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is urging anyone who has been a victim of romance fraud to come forward and report the incident. Victims can contact the office at (410) 209-4800 or email usa.md.baltimore@usdoj.gov.
The indictment serves as a warning to anyone who thinks they are the victim of this type of scam: do not send money to someone you have never met in person, and do not send money to someone who has asked you to keep the relationship a secret.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Gardner of the District of Maryland.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland is committed to protecting the citizens of this district from financial crimes like romance fraud. This office will continue to work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute those who engage in these types of schemes.
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source â†â€â€ÂÂÂ
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