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SHERMAN, Texas – June 2025
Five individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for orchestrating a complex fraud and money laundering conspiracy that defrauded more than 100 victims of at least $17 million, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas.
The scheme involved romance scams, investment fraud, business email compromise (BEC), and unemployment insurance fraud. The defendants specifically targeted elderly individuals and vulnerable populations around the world.
Sentences Handed Down
- Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, TX – 480 months
- Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, of Houston, TX – 480 months
- Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston, TX – 480 months
- Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, TX – 365 months
- Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, TX – 109 months
Sentencings were conducted by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III on June 16, 2025, in Sherman, Texas.
Fraud Scheme Overview
Beginning in January 2017, the defendants used a network of fraudulent schemes to deceive and steal from victims across the United States and abroad. Tactics included:
- Posing as romantic partners on online dating platforms
- Posing as business executives in BEC scams
- Falsifying unemployment insurance claims
- Misleading investors with fraudulent business opportunities
Victims were manipulated into transferring funds, which were then laundered through a web of domestic and international accounts, including to co-conspirators and businesses in Africa and Asia.
Law Enforcement Response
“These transnational fraudsters targeted elderly victims and caused lasting financial harm. The lengthy sentences reflect the gravity of their crimes and the Department of Justice’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
“This syndicate cost victims their life savings. These sentences should reassure the public that the FBI is resolute in seeking justice,” added FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.
“Nearly 160 years in collective prison time demonstrates the resolve of IRS-CI and our partners to bring financial criminals to justice,” said IRS-CI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus, Jr.
Investigation and Operation
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative targeting transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and other high-level threats. Investigative support was provided by:
- FBI Dallas Field Office
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- IRS-Criminal Investigation
- HHS-OIG, DOL-OIG, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Diplomatic Security Service (DSS)
- USCIS, Allen and Denton Police Departments, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas DPS
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Plano office of the Eastern District of Texas.
For more information on the Eastern District of Texas, visit: www.justice.gov/usao/txe
