⏱ 2 min read
A Nigerian man, Charles Nnamdi Emesim, 53, has been sentenced to 115 months for his role in a decade-long scheme to launder the proceeds of various internet-enabled scams, including romance scams, government imposter scams, and lottery scams, in Kentucky and across the US. The scams, which ran from December 2013 to at least June 2024, defrauded at least 23 individuals out of over $700,000. Emesim, who lived in Newark, New Jersey, used multiple bank accounts and false identities to carry out the scheme. One of his victims, a senior citizen and widow from the Eastern District of Kentucky, lost tens of thousands of dollars to a romance scam.
Emesim’s scam involved posing as a customs agent and convincing his victims to send him money. He used various tactics, including WhatsApp and in-person meetings, to gain the trust of his victims. In one instance, he met with the Kentucky widow at the Lexington airport and convinced her to give him additional money and buy him a computer tablet.
The investigation found that Emesim had opened and operated at least 17 bank accounts in his name or in the names of his companies, Chadon Export or Chadon Trucking. He used these accounts to receive and launder the proceeds of the scams, often withdrawing the funds in cash or transferring them to other accounts.
Emesim’s sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier. The case highlights the ongoing threat of internet-enabled scams and the importance of vigilance and awareness in preventing such crimes.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Defendant: Kentucky
- Location: KY
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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