MISSISSIPPI
Six Nigerian nationals were extradited from South Africa to Gulfport, Mississippi, to face a nine-count federal indictment for duping people through online dating websites and work-at-home opportunities, officials announced today.
A total of 20 defendants are charged in this case, officials said.
Oladimeji Seun Ayelotan, 30; Rasaq Aderoju Raheem, 31; Olusegun Seyi Shonekan, 33; Taofeeq Olamilekan Oyelade, 30; Olufemi Obaro Omoraka, 26; and Anuoluwapo Segun Adegbemigun, 39, are charged along with 15 others are named in an Oct. 7 indictment.
The indictment alleges conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit identity theft, use of unauthorized account access devices, theft of U.S. government funds and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The defendants allegedly were involved in numerous Internet-based complex financial fraud schemes that included the following:
- romance scams
- re-shipping scams
- fraudulent check scams
- work-at-home scams as well as bank, financial and credit card account takeovers.
According to the allegations, from as early as 2001, the defendants identified and solicited potential victims through online dating websites and work-at-home opportunities.
In some instances, the defendants allegedly carried on fictitious online romantic relationships with victims for the purpose of using the victims to further certain objectives of the conspiracy.
For example, the indictment alleges that the defendants convinced victims to ship and receive merchandise purchased with stolen personal identifying information and compromised credit card and banking information, to deposit counterfeit checks, and to transfer proceeds of the conspiracy via wire, U.S. mail or express delivery services.
To date, defendants Teslim Olarewaju Kiriji, 30; Olutoyin Ogunlade, 41; and Dennis Brian Ladden, 75, have been convicted of offenses relating to their roles in the schemes.
Defendants Susan Anne Villeneuve, 49; and Genoveva Farfan, 45; Sesan Olumide Farin, 40; Femi Alexander Mewase, 44; Rhulane Fionah Hlungwane, 24; and Adekunle Adefila, 40, are awaiting trial.
Federal officials are seeking extradition from Nigeria of defendants Kayode Bamidele, Ajayi Oluwaseyi Stephen and Emmanuel Adeniyi Osokomaiya.
Defendants Gabriel Oludare Adeniran and Oduntan Sikiru Lawani remain fugitives.
Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.