February 04, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
Darlington Akporugo, a 47-year-old Nigerian based in the US, has pleaded guilty to running a multimillion-dollar romance scam that targeted over 25 victims, mostly elderly individuals, across the United States.
The scheme, which Akporugo admitted to leading, defrauded victims of more than $3 million.
Akporugo’s arrest came just hours before his planned wedding to fiancée Jasmin Sood in early 2024.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) led the years-long investigation into the Houston-based syndicate.
Akporugo pleaded guilty in the US District Court for the Southern District of Texas to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, as well as aiding and abetting wire fraud.
The scam involved creating fake social media profiles, mainly on Facebook, to lure victims into fraudulent investments or fabricated emergencies.
Victims were persuaded to transfer money to accounts controlled by Akporugo and his accomplices, with funds often funneled overseas.
Some victims were also manipulated into opening lines of credit or purchasing luxury items for Akporugo’s personal use.
“This individual and his co-conspirators preyed on the vulnerability of the elderly and recently widowed,” said Chad Plantz, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge.
“I credit the bravery of victims and international law enforcement cooperation for dismantling the fraud ring”
Akporugo remains in custody ahead of his June 6 sentencing and is likely to be deported after serving his sentence.
