Georgia Trio Accused of $1M Romance Scam

NEW ORLEANS – Love costs a fortune, and for victims of a sophisticated fraud scheme, it cost over $1 million. U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced today that a superseding indictment has been filed against three individuals from Georgia, alleging they preyed on unsuspecting hearts through a calculated “romance scam.” The indictment lays out charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, along with conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Charged in the indictment are KENNETH G. AKPIEYI, 43, of Marietta, Georgia; Emuobosan EMMANUELLA HALL, 43, of Atlanta, Georgia; and Eseoghene Nelly Keniye, 27, also of Atlanta. The indictment alleges the trio conspired to defraud victims by posing as potential romantic partners, convincing them to send money through elaborate lies and fabricated identities. The scheme involved the use of bank accounts registered under false names and shell companies, designed to obscure the flow of illicit funds.

Investigators have painstakingly traced the financial trail, revealing that AKPIEYI, HALL, and KENIYE collectively defrauded victims out of more than $1 million. The indictment details violations of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1341, 1343, and 1349 for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and Sections 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and 1956(h) for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Additionally, AKPIEYI faces a single count of mail fraud, specifically violating Sections 1341 and 2 of Title 18.

If convicted, the penalties are steep. Mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000.00 – or the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss – and up to three years of supervised release following imprisonment. The conspiracy to commit money laundering charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved, and also up to three years of supervised release. Each defendant will also be required to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count charged.

U.S. Attorney Evans was quick to emphasize that the superseding indictment represents merely an accusation. “The guilt of these defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt,” he stated. The case is being spearheaded by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit. The investigation was led by the FBI New Orleans Field Office, with crucial assistance from the FBI Atlanta Field Office and the Cobb County, GA, Sheriff’s Office.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving landscape of fraud and the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit vulnerable individuals. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it progresses through the federal court system, bringing you the unvarnished truth about crime and justice in America.