HUNTINGTON, WV – A 29-year-old Nigerian national, John Nassy, has confessed to his role in a sprawling fraud and money laundering operation that preyed on over 200 victims, many of them vulnerable elderly individuals, relieving them of at least $2.5 million. Nassy pleaded guilty today in federal court, admitting he knowingly funneled stolen funds through his personal bank accounts.
According to court records, Nassy, a student at the time, participated in the scheme between June 2018 and at least May 2019. His co-conspirators crafted elaborate online personas, using email, text messages, and social media – including dating sites – to establish fraudulent relationships with victims. They spun tales of romance, friendship, or business ventures, all designed to extract money under false pretenses. Nassy admitted to receiving at least $148,000 in fraudulently obtained funds into his accounts.
The operation wasn’t simply about receiving the money. Nassy confessed to siphoning off a portion for his own benefit before forwarding the rest to his accomplices via the Zelle digital payment network. He also transferred funds directly to bank accounts in Nigeria, completing the laundering process. This wasn’t a one-off act; it was a sustained effort to conceal the origins of the stolen money and allow the scammers to continue their predatory practices.
Nassy is one of ten individuals charged in connection with this complex scheme, spread across four separate indictments. Six co-defendants have already pleaded guilty, while charges remain pending against the others. The U.S. Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Facing a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, Nassy is scheduled for sentencing on November 14, 2022. He has also agreed to pay $148,000 in restitution to the victims. U.S. Attorney Will Thompson highlighted the collaborative investigative efforts of the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FDIC-OIG, West Virginia State Police, and South Charleston Police Department.
Authorities are urging the public to report potential online fraud at ic3.gov. Victims aged 60 and older can also seek support through the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11. This hotline, managed by the U.S. Department of Justice, provides personalized assistance, reporting guidance, and referrals to relevant agencies. Don’t become another statistic – report suspected fraud immediately.
Related Federal Cases
- Donna S. Brown, Wire Fraud, Mail Fraud, Money Laundering, New Marti… · Virginia
- William D. Montague, 36 Counts of Conspiracy, Fraud, Money Launderi… · Georgia
- Jeffrey Phares, Cemetery Fraud, West Virginia, 2023 · Virginia
- Jeffrey Phares, Wire Fraud Scheme, Fayetteville WV, 2023 · Virginia
- Bradley Temple, Unlawful Money Transactions, West Virginia, 2023 · West Virginia
Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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