A Nigerian individual based in Poland, Tochuwku Nnebocha, faces the possibility of 20 years in prison after being extradited to the United States for allegedly deceiving older Americans.
This follows the crackdown and removal of illegal immigrants by the Donald Trump administration in the United States.
PUNCH Metro reported in a statement obtained from the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday that the suspect was handed over in April.
As per the statement, the 43-year-old individual is being charged with federal offenses related to involvement in a transnational criminal group that conducted an inheritance fraud operation, which deceived numerous American seniors into losing their savings.
The statement mentioned that Nnebocha appeared for the first time in a Miami federal court on Monday.
It stated, “Nnebocha was taken into custody in April 2025 by officials in Poland, following an indictment submitted in the Southern District of Florida, and has been held in detention ever since. As per legal papers, Nnebocha is accused of running a cross-border inheritance scam.”
Throughout a period of over five years, he, together with others, is accused of sending personalized letters to elderly customers in the United States, falsely stating that the sender was an agent of a Spanish bank and that the recipient was eligible to receive a multi-million dollar inheritance from a family member who supposedly passed away many years ago in Spain.
Individuals were informed that, in order to claim their supposed inheritance, they needed to pay for shipping costs, taxes, and fees to prevent scrutiny from governmental agencies.
It mentioned that the suspect also transferred funds to certain Americans whom he had persuaded to take the money and then pass it on to him.
The Department of Justice pointed out that although he promised his victims they would get a share of the inheritance, none of those who sent money ever received the supposed inheritance funds.
It mentioned that after the suspect’s extradition, he was charged with conspiracy, wire fraud, and mail fraud, and if convicted, could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The accused is facing charges of conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud, along with allegations of mail fraud and wire fraud.
Nnebocha appeared in court for the first time today in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Enjolique Lett from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
If found guilty, Nnebocha could receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will decide the final sentence, taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations.
Although recognizing that the suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty, it mentioned that other individuals involved with the suspect have been imprisoned.
Two more defendants have admitted their guilt and received their sentences in this case.
The esteemed Roy K. Altman had previously imposed a 97-month prison term on Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, who was brought back from Portugal, and Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, who was extradited from the United Kingdom, due to their involvement in the scheme.
“A charge is simply a claim. Every defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” it said.
Nnebocha is not the first Nigerian individual to face arrest, legal proceedings, and a court sentence in the United States due to fraudulent activities.
PUNCH Metro stated in November 2024 that Franklin Nwadialo, an elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, was detained in Texas, United States, on suspicion of conducting a $3.3 million romance fraud.
The Department of Justice mentioned that Nwadialo was charged with 14 counts and could potentially receive a 20-year sentence if found guilty.
In a separate instance, a Nigerian man based in France, Chukwuemeka Victor Amachukwu, is said to be potentially facing a maximum of 47 years in prison following his extradition to the United States on charges of wire fraud, hacking, and identity theft, which are alleged to have resulted in losses amounting to $819,000.
These instances point to an increasing pattern of transnational efforts targeting fraud groups associated with Nigeria, as global agencies step up collaboration to fight financial misconduct.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
