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Farouq Fasasi, Lottery & Romance Scam, Bridgeport CT, 2022
BRIDGEPORT, CT – Three men are facing serious time after a federal jury found them guilty of running a sophisticated scheme that preyed on vulnerable, often elderly, Americans, relieving them of more than $5 million. FAROUQ FASASI, 27, RODNEY THOMAS, JR., 31, and RALPH PIERRE, 32, all formerly of New Haven, CT, were convicted yesterday following a week-long trial before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill.
The trio’s operation relied on two classic con games: the lottery scam, where victims are falsely told they’ve won a prize but must pay fees to claim it, and the romance scam, where perpetrators build fake online relationships to extract money. Prosecutors detailed how the defendants used phone calls, online communications, and even mail to convince victims they were legitimate, promising riches or companionship before systematically draining their bank accounts. The evidence showed a callous disregard for the financial and emotional wellbeing of the targets.
Between August 2015 and March 2020, Fasasi, Thomas, and their network targeted over 200 victims nationwide. Cash, money orders, and checks flooded into addresses in Connecticut, and funds were deposited into bank accounts controlled by the group. Investigators discovered that the defendants even shared a residence on Sherman Avenue in New Haven, which served as a central hub for the incoming stolen funds. One particularly heartbreaking case involved a Connecticut victim who lost over $1 million to the scheme.
To further conceal their ill-gotten gains, RALPH PIERRE allegedly established a sham charity, “Global Protection Foundation,” and opened four bank accounts under its name. This attempt to legitimize the laundered money proved unsuccessful, as investigators were able to trace the funds back to the fraudulent activities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, built a rock-solid case demonstrating the scope and brutality of the operation.
The jury found Fasasi and Thomas guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of mail fraud. Fasasi also faces three counts of money laundering. Pierre was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of money laundering. Judge Underhill has scheduled sentencing for May 10. Federal prosecutors are expected to seek substantial prison terms for all three men.
“The Justice Department is committed to rooting out and prosecuting those who steal from seniors and other vulnerable victims,” stated U.S. Attorney Leonard C Boyle. “These verdicts will help to heal the many individuals who gave thousands of dollars to these predators.” Authorities urge anyone who believes they may have been targeted by similar scams to contact local police or call 833-FRAUD-11. Three other individuals have also been charged and convicted in connection with this scheme, signaling a continued crackdown on elder fraud.
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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