PROVIDENCE, RI – A 51-year-old Texas man is facing federal charges in Rhode Island for his alleged role in a sweeping fraud scheme that preyed on vulnerable seniors across at least ten states, bilking them out of nearly $1 million. Fola Alabi, also known as Folayemi Alabi, of Richmond, Texas, was arrested Tuesday and charged with conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The investigation, a joint effort by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, revealed a sophisticated operation where a key member posed as a high-ranking U.S. military officer stationed overseas. This individual allegedly cultivated relationships with unsuspecting seniors, often through online platforms, feigning personal – and sometimes romantic – interest before convincing them to send substantial sums of money. The money was then funneled through companies and bank accounts controlled by Alabi.
Charging documents detail a particularly heartbreaking case involving a 78-year-old Rhode Island widow. She was allegedly persuaded by someone identifying himself as “General Miller,” a purported four-star general serving abroad, to provide $60,000 to cover the shipment of his personal belongings. A check made payable to “Full Circle Import Exports” was mailed to Alabi’s Texas residence. The victim was reportedly preparing to send an even larger sum when her bank and the Westerly Police Department intervened, suspecting fraud.
Federal prosecutors have also charged Alabi under the Senior Citizens Against Marketing Scams Act of 1994, which carries enhanced penalties for crimes targeting individuals over the age of 55. The total amount allegedly stolen from victims is at least $915,301. Authorities have seized several bank accounts linked to the alleged criminal activity, as well as a 2010 Mercedes Benz registered to Alabi.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin is prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha acknowledged the crucial assistance provided by the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Unit, and police departments in Westerly, RI, Prescott Valley, AZ, as well as law enforcement agencies in Texas, West Virginia, and Santa Clara County, California. This multi-state collaboration was critical to unraveling the complex network of deceit.
Alabi is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The federal criminal complaint serves as an accusation only. This case underscores the growing threat of elder fraud and the importance of vigilance when interacting with strangers online, especially regarding financial matters. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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