The United States Department of Justice has confirmed that Nigerian national Edwin Okoronkwo, will be deported upon completing his 75-month prison sentence for defrauding several Americans through a fraudulent scheme. Okoronkwo was convicted alongside his wife, Julie Okoronkwo, who was sentenced to 25 months for her role in the deceptive “catfishing” operation.
The couple, both permanent residents of the United States, used stolen identities to pose as high-ranking members of the U.S. military, luring victims into sending money through postal services like FedEx, UPS, and the U.S. Postal Service. The scheme, which relied on online impersonation, was further bolstered by Julie’s phone calls to victims, convincing them of the scam’s legitimacy.
The Department of Justice revealed in a statement that the Okoronkwo duo targeted victims across the country, convincing them to send funds under false pretenses. Julie Okoronkwo also used her position at a hospital to obtain sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers and driver’s license details, which were further used to perpetuate the fraud.
Following their arrest and prosecution, Edwin was sentenced on January 29, 2025, to 75 months in prison, while his wife was sentenced to 25 months on January 10. In addition to the prison term, Edwin was ordered to pay $342,535 in restitution to seven of the victims involved in the scam.
US District Judge Brian C. Buescher, who sentenced both individuals, described the crimes as “tragedy” for the victims. Upon serving his sentence, Okoronkwo will be placed on a three-year supervised release before being deported by immigration authorities.
The case serves as a significant reminder of the dangers of online fraud schemes and the importance of safeguarding personal information.
