Anomah Ndonwi, Wire Fraud Conspiracy, Maryland 2023

Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a pet-selling fraud scheme that affected victims across the US and internationally.

Anomah Ndonwi, 32, of Chillum, Maryland, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.

US Attorney Kelly O. Hayes announced the sentence along with David Richeson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington Field Office, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS).

Beginning in at least September 2019, and continuing through at least December 2022, Ndonwi conspired with others to devise a scheme to obtain money through materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises.

The scheme involved various non-delivery schemes, including victims throughout the United States who responded to internet websites offering the sale of pets such as dogs and horses.

After exchanging messages with the supposed seller of the pet, victims paid using a wire transfer or electronic-app transfer. Following the payments, victims never received the pet they paid for nor a refund.

Another scheme involved the non-delivery of agricultural goods, such as meat products. Victims, often from foreign countries and representing foreign businesses, responded to an alleged sale offer, and paid for goods using an interstate or international wire communication. After payment, the victims never received the ordered products nor a refund from the supposed seller.

Ndonwi opened U.S. bank accounts to receive the proceeds from these schemes using fraudulent identifications. In total, Ndonwi opened at least 14 bank accounts, primarily in Maryland, using alias names. Ndonwi opened at least 12 of the accounts with fraudulent passports purportedly from the Republic of Cameroon. These fraudulent passports showed Ndonwi’s picture but listed an alias name.

Through this scheme, Ndonwi received at least $930,105 in proceeds from the wire-fraud conspiracy which affected 10 or more victims.

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