A Utah County woman was found guilty on all counts in a romance scam that allegedly cost dozens of victims over $6 million.
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, 39-year-old Nelly Idowu, of Provo, participated in an online romance scheme from 2017 to 2019.
Idowu was found guilty by a federal jury of one count of money laundering conspiracy and two counts of money laundering. She was the final defendant in the scheme to be convicted. This reportedly included creating fake online dating profiles to befriend and romance victims, who were mainly single women over the age of 65.Artificial intelligence is making online romance scams more believableOfficials stated these victims "were led to believe the fake persona they were engaging with had an urgent financial need."
"Some of the bogus financial needs included helping family members with emergency medical costs, helping a United States military member stranded overseas, or claims of unique investment opportunities," the press release stated. "None of these financial needs were legitimate."Officials said over $1 million was collected from Idowu’s personal and business accounts, with more money received by her coconspirators.
Adesotu was sentenced to a 36-month imprisonment term and ordered to pay $6.3 million in restitution jointly with codefendants. Fredrick was sentenced to a term of 46 months' imprisonment. Chukwu’s sentencing is set for Jan. 16, 2024.
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