Raleigh, N.C. – In a shocking case of betrayal, former Army servicemember Sanda G. Frimpong, 33, has been sentenced to 40 months in federal prison for his role in laundering the illicit proceeds of an elaborate romance scam. The 33-year-old was also ordered to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in restitution to his victims.
Frimpong, a former active-duty Army servicemember stationed at Fort Bragg, pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering on September 14, 2023. His crimes were part of a larger scheme that impersonated romantic love interests, diplomats, customs personnel, military personnel, and other fictitious personas to ensnare victims.
“Romance scammers exploit our most vulnerable citizens, even our seniors and military veterans, sometimes leaving them financially and emotionally devastated,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “The fact that an Army servicemember was involved in romance scams while serving as a soldier is appalling. We are partnering with the Department of Defense to drum out fraudsters and money launderers like Frimpong from our military ranks and put them in prison where they belong.”
“Integrity is a core tenet of the armed forces and when servicemembers choose to compromise their integrity for greed, it tarnishes the reputation of all others serving in uniform,” stated Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS and its law enforcement partners will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold those accountable who cheat government programs and use online scams to prey on the most vulnerable.”
Frimpong and his conspirators used various bank accounts across state lines and through contacts in Ghana to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds from the romance scams. The scheme targeted victims with promises of romance, sharing of an inheritance or other riches, or other scenarios intended to fraudulently induce them to provide money or property to the conspirators.
The investigation was led by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Beraka prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III announced the sentence. The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of online scams and the importance of vigilance in protecting against financial exploitation.
Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-0035-D.
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Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime|Cybercrime|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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