Godsent Ogbebor
A Nigerian national, Okezie Ogbata, has pleaded guilty in a Florida district court to defrauding over 400 elderly and vulnerable Americans out of more than $6 million in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the 36-year-old and his accomplices tricked victims by sending fake letters posing as representatives of a Spanish bank. The fraudulent letters falsely claimed that the recipients were entitled to large inheritances left by deceased relatives abroad. The victims were then instructed to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and other payments to avoid suspicion from government authorities.
During his plea on January 15, Ogbata admitted to masterminding the scheme, which primarily targeted elderly and vulnerable individuals.
“This case highlights the essential role of international collaboration in combating transnational crime,” said General Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.
Ogbata is scheduled for sentencing on April 14, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Roy Altman. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
