Newly elected chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, Franklin Nwadialo, has been arrested in the United States for his alleged involvement in a $3.3 million romance scam. Nwadialo, 40, was apprehended by the Federal Bureau of Investigation upon his arrival in Texas, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The DOJ confirmed that Nwadialo will be transferred to the Western District of Washington for his arraignment.
He faces 14 counts of wire fraud and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The charges stem from accusations that Nwadialo used fake online profiles and deceptive tactics to exploit vulnerable women across various dating platforms such as Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café.
According to the indictment, Nwadialo posed as a military officer stationed overseas, often claiming that his work in the armed forces kept him from meeting his victims in person.
Over time, Nwadialo allegedly concocted several reasons to trick his victims into sending him large sums of money.
In one case, he convinced a woman in 2020 that he had been fined $150,000 by the military for revealing his location, urging her to help him pay the fine. That victim was reportedly defrauded of at least $2.4m.
In another incident from 2019, Nwadialo allegedly contacted a second victim, asking for assistance in transferring funds from U.S. accounts to those controlled by him and his co-conspirators. This victim sent at least $330,000 to accounts controlled by Nwadialo.
A third victim was reportedly duped when Nwadialo claimed he was investing money on her behalf. He tricked her into transferring over $270,000 to an account for a cryptocurrency investment, which he controlled.
In August 2020, Nwadialo targeted another woman, claiming he needed financial assistance to cover expenses such as his father’s funeral and his son’s school tuition. This victim transferred at least $310,000 to him.
The DOJ further explained that the 14 counts of wire fraud relate to the communication and fund transfers between Nwadialo and his victims.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sok Jiang. This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by online scams and the far-reaching impact of cybercrimes.
Nwadialo’s arrest has raised significant concern in Nigeria, with many questioning how individuals in positions of power can be involved in such criminal activities.
His case will likely attract widespread attention, both in Nigeria and internationally, as it highlights the increasing role of technology in facilitating fraud and exploitation.
