Related Federal Cases
Man Charged with Money Laundering in Internet Scam Scheme
A Georgia man has been charged with money laundering in connection with an internet scam scheme that targeted victims in Kansas and California. Emmanuel Ugbaja, 53, of Duluth, Georgia, was charged in a three-count federal indictment with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and two counts of Money Laundering.
According to the indictment, in 2018, two persons were victimized by two separate internet scams. One victim from Kansas sent money to an unknown co-conspirator posing as a love interest in what is known as a ‘romance scam.’ The other victim from California sent money to a person posing to be an attorney in what is known as an ‘inheritance scam.’
At the direction of the co-conspirators, the victims were told to send the funds to a bank account controlled by Ugbaja. Ugbaja retained a portion of the funds for himself and then sent the victim funds in the amount of $60,000 total to a local maritime broker, Bourg Marine, as part of a down payment for the unrelated purchase of a vessel.
Ugbaja faces a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 per count, or twice the gross gain to the defendant or twice the gross loss to the victim, and a $100 mandatory special fee for each count.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This indictment is part of an ongoing national effort by federal authorities to address online fraud schemes that often target U.S. citizens. The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/.
The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit.
Defendant: Emmanuel Ugbaja, charged with one count of Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering and two counts of Money Laundering. City and State: Duluth, Georgia. Date: 2018. Sentence or Outcome: awaiting trial. Dollar Amounts: $60,000 total.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News