Grimy Times
HOUSTON – A 30-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to commit mail fraud in a scheme to defraud victims through a variety of internet scams, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. Ganiyu Abayomi Jimoh pleaded guilty Aug. 1, 2022. Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen ordered Jimoh to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Jimoh was also ordered to pay $405,427.80 in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence including that at least one of the victims was an 84-year-old man who was defrauded of money by an online “girlfriend” and how $13,500 of his losses were deposited into accounts Jimoh opened.
In 2019, Jimoh began working with co-conspirators pretending to be U.S. military soldiers deployed to Afghanistan. They would solicit victims wishing to assist soldiers stationed overseas and persuaded them to contribute monies toward non-existent real estate deals. As part of his plea, Jimoh admitted to using counterfeit passports to open bank accounts to receive funds from the victims for his personal benefit.
According to court documents, Jimoh’s scheme was part of a larger conspiracy that targeted vulnerable individuals through online scams. The victims were persuaded to send money to Jimoh and his co-conspirators, who promised to use the funds for various purposes, including real estate investments and military-related expenses.
Jimoh will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman prosecuted the case.
The case highlights the importance of being cautious when dealing with online scams and the need for individuals to verify the authenticity of requests for money or other forms of assistance. It also underscores the serious consequences of engaging in such schemes, including the potential for lengthy prison sentences and significant financial penalties.
Jimoh’s conviction is a significant blow to those who would seek to exploit vulnerable individuals through internet scams. It demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting the public from such threats and holds accountable those who engage in such schemes.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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