Nigerian Conspirator Sentenced for $1.89M Laundering Scheme

WILLIAMSPORT, PA – In a stunning conviction for financial corruption, Jabin Godspower Okpako, 36, a Nigerian national, has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for his role in laundering nearly $2 million from a sophisticated mail and wire fraud scheme. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced the sentence on November 23, 2021.

Okpako, along with his wife, Christine Bradley Okpako, age 54, of Sayre, Pennsylvania, were charged for their part in a fraudulent operation that targeted elderly victims across the United States. The couple received over $1,898,046 through a series of bank and wire transfers, ultimately funneling the funds to Nigerian accounts.

The scheme involved befriending unsuspecting victims on popular social media platforms and online game websites. Once trust was established, they induced their marks to send money for fictitious reasons such as medical expenses or investment opportunities. The couple then directed payments to their Pennsylvania address.

Despite several banks closing their accounts due to the suspicious nature of their transactions and a warning letter from the FBI, Okpako and his wife continued their illegal activities. Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann cited these facts in his sentencing, emphasizing their flagrant disregard for legal warnings and the justice system.

In addition to the prison term, Okpako is ordered to pay $440,950 in restitution to his victims and forfeit all proceeds from the criminal activity. His wife, Christine Bradley Okpako, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2021, to conspiracy to commit money laundering through mail and wire fraud and awaits her sentencing.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney George J. Rocktashel. It serves as a stark reminder of the lengths some will go to in pursuit of financial gain at the expense of unsuspecting individuals.

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