US federal authorities have taken Samuel Ugberaese into custody after his extradition from Nigeria, where he is facing allegations linked to a large-scale online romance fraud and laundering of illicit proceeds.
Indictment Details
According to a federal indictment returned in January 2021, Ugberaese and alleged collaborators are accused of running romance scam operations that deceived victims in the United States and other countries. Prosecutors say the scheme relied on fake identities and fabricated personal stories to manipulate victims into sending money.
“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,” the U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday via its website.
Alleged Money Laundering Scheme
The indictment further claims he worked with associates, including co-defendant Oluwadamilare Kolaogunbule, to move fraud proceeds through multiple bank accounts and business fronts. Authorities allege the funds were channelled through accounts linked to purported export businesses in an effort to conceal their origin and ownership.
International Cooperation
His arrest and extradition were reportedly made possible through cooperation between US agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), international law enforcement partners, and Nigerian security authorities, including INTERPOL-linked operations and justice ministry support.
US prosecutors note that the indictment remains an allegation, and Ugberaese is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
