The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has arrested Samuel Ugberaese, also known as 'Putsammy' or 'Putput', following his extradition to the United States from Nigeria. Ugberaese faces charges related to cross-border romance scams that targeted victims in the U.S. and other countries.
Announcement and Indictment
The United States Department of Justice announced the arrest in a press release on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. A federal grand jury had returned an indictment in the Eastern District of North Carolina (EDNC) on January 22, 2021. United States Magistrate Judge Brian S. Myers ordered Ugberaese detained pending trial.
Details of the Scam
According to the indictment, Ugberaese and his co-conspirators employed romance scheme techniques, including false stories and promises, to exploit and defraud victims into transferring money. The indictment further alleges that Ugberaese conspired with co-defendant Oluwadamilare Kolaogunbule, a naturalized U.S. citizen, to conduct financial transactions through a network of bank accounts, including accounts registered to purported export companies. This was done to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the criminal proceeds.
Charges and Potential Sentence
Ugberaese is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces a statutory maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
International Cooperation
The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the South African Police Service, the FBI's Law Enforcement Attaché Office in Abuja, the Department of State, the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General’s Office of Nigeria, and the Nigeria Police Force – INTERPOL provided critical assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Ugberaese.
Prosecution and Social Media Reaction
This case is being handled by the EDNC USAO’s Fraud Section, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam F. Hulbig prosecuting. Meanwhile, photos and videos from Ugberaese's lavish 2018 wedding have emerged on social media, sparking reactions due to the massive display of wealth, including swanky cars and designer shoes.
