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Ghianian Scammer Alhassan Gets 51 Months for Elder Fraud
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Suleman Alhassan, 38, a Ghanaian national living in Charlotte, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to 51 months for his role in a heartless scheme that bilked over $1 million from vulnerable elderly Americans. U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. delivered the sentence today, alongside an order for Alhassan to pay $1,127,989 in restitution and face deportation upon his release.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina, led by Andrew Murray, revealed the scope of the operation. Alhassan didn’t act alone, conspiring with others both in the U.S. and in Ghana to run romance and precious metals scams targeting more than 20 victims. The scheme, active since around March 2016, preyed on the loneliness and trust of elderly individuals, promising love and riches that were nothing but lies.
“Alhassan preyed upon older victims by exploiting their vulnerabilities, including their human need for a personal connection and a loving relationship,” Murray stated. “Some of the victims were exploited repeatedly, until their well ran dry and they had no more money to give.” The investigation, a joint effort with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), underscores the growing threat of transnational fraud targeting seniors.
The scam operated on multiple fronts. Alhassan and his co-conspirators created bogus profiles on dating websites, assuming false identities to lure victims into fake romantic relationships. Simultaneously, they spun a tale of vast gold reserves in Ghana, convincing victims to send money to cover shipping costs and other fabricated expenses. Victims were promised a share of the profits once the gold supposedly reached the U.S. or other countries – a promise that was never kept. Alhassan admitted in court filings to knowingly deceiving the victims.
The manipulation didn’t stop there. Alhassan and his crew also invented obstacles to keep the money flowing, demanding funds for travel documents for the supposed romantic partners and inventing problems with visas and customs. Every request was a lie, designed to bleed victims dry. Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of USPIS, emphasized the agency’s commitment to protecting vulnerable Americans from such schemes. “Those seeking to defraud and take advantage of our postal customers should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable,” he said.
Ronnie Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of HSI, warned that transnational scammers will not escape justice. “HSI is committed to using its unique, cross-border investigative authorities to hold persons accountable who defraud senior citizens and other vulnerable persons,” Martinez stated. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and caution, particularly for elderly family and friends who may be susceptible to these predatory tactics. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on efforts to combat elder fraud.
Key Facts
- State: North Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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