A former MoneyGram agent has been convicted of laundering millions of dollars in a telemarketing fraud scheme that preyed on hundreds of victims across the United States.
Itohan Agho-Allen, 39, of Brooklyn, New York, was found guilty of criminal conspiracy, eight counts of wire fraud, and 14 counts of money laundering following a six-day trial in Harrisburg.
Between 2002 and November 2010, Agho-Allen, who was an agent of Miracle Multi-Link, a MoneyGram and Western Union outlet in Brooklyn, processed money transfers received from fraud schemes, including sweepstakes, loans, employment opportunities, persons-in-need, and internet purchases.
Money in excess of $7 million was obtained from hundreds of victims through telemarketing schemes that falsely promised financial awards and other valuable items. The money was transmitted through facilities in locations in Pennsylvania, including York, Bloomsburg, Berwick, Hazleton, Lebanon, Chambersburg, East Stroudsburg, and Montoursville, to fraud participants in Brooklyn, Spain, Romania, Canada, and Nigeria.
Agho-Allen entered fictitious identifying information into the Moneygram or Western Union computer systems, disguising the true nature of the transaction and the identities of individuals perpetrating the frauds. For doing so, she was paid 10-15% of each transaction.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Fawcett noted that the money launderer is crucial to the success of the international fraud scheme because she conceals from victims and law enforcement who is behind the fraud and where the money is going.
Agho-Allen was indicted in March 2011 and charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, as well as counts of wire fraud and money laundering.
To-date, approximately 33 former MoneyGram and Western Union agents have been prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Harrisburg. Several of them testified as Government witnesses at Agho-Allen’s trial. In addition, in November 2012, the U.S. government reached a settlement with MoneyGram, resulting in the forfeiture of $100 million to be used to compensate thousands of victims.
This case is part of an ongoing, long-term investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in coordination with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania and with cooperation from Canadian law enforcement agencies.
Prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Christy H. Fawcett. Persons who believe they were victims of the fraud scheme should visit http://www.justice.gov/criminal/vns/caseup/ or call 1-877-282-2610 (United States Only) or 317-324-0390 (International) for instructions on how to request compensation.
Persons with information and/or complaints concerning suspected marketing fraud schemes should contact their nearest United States Post Office or 1-877-USMAIL-5.
Key Facts
- State: Pennsylvania
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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