New Orleans, LA – In a shocking turn of events, Kenneth G. Akpieyi, a 44-year-old resident of Marietta, Georgia, has been convicted of a multi-million dollar romance scam. As reported by the FBI, Akpieyi, also known as ‘Phillip Anderson,’ was found guilty of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and mail fraud.
According to evidence presented at trial, Akpieyi played a key role in defrauding women through a scheme where perpetrators represented themselves to victims as romantic partners. They often claimed to be generals, philanthropists, or entrepreneurs who lived outside the United States. Conspirators would meet victims on Facebook, Instagram, and similar social media platforms, gain the trust of the victims, and then ask the victims to send money for fraudulent reasons, such as to help with charitable work or to assist sick family members.
Evidence at trial showed that Akpieyi would then receive victim funds under the alias ‘Phillip Anderson’ at his residence in Marietta, Georgia. He also used his company, KGA Autobrokers, LLC, to funnel money to other bank accounts, often using accounts at different banks to obscure the movement of victim money.
On one occasion, Akpieyi deposited two checks totaling $300,000 from the same victim at two different banks in the Marietta area on the same day, even though both checks were written to KGA Autobrokers. Frequently, victim funds ended up in bank accounts in foreign countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates.
Eight victims testified at trial, explaining how they had been defrauded through the scheme. They testified to total losses of over $3 million.
Akpieyi faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each of the counts of mail fraud and for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. He also faces a $250,000 fine or the greater of twice the gross gain or twice the gross loss, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. His sentencing is scheduled for November 5, 2025.
Related Federal Cases
- Kenneth Martin, Fentanyl and Heroin Distribution, Louisiana 2024 · Georgia
- Kenneth G. Akpieyi, Mail Fraud, Georgia 2023 · Georgia
- Emmanuel Ugbaaja, Romance Scam, Georgia 2024 · Kansas
- Jason Edward Myers, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Louisiana 2024 · Georgia
- John Paul Pierre, Access Device Fraud Conspiracy, Louisiana 2024 · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Cybercrime|White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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