A Nigerian citizen on a student visa in the United States has been sentenced to prison for money laundering in connection with a massive romance fraud scheme that targeted vulnerable Americans.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Otaniyen Iduozee was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison on Tuesday for his role in laundering proceeds from the scheme, which primarily involved deceiving victims through fabricated online romantic relationships.
The so-called “romance scam” involves fraudsters using fake or stolen identities to establish relationships with victims—often elderly or isolated individuals—via online dating platforms, emails, or messaging apps.
Once trust is established, the scammer fabricates stories about financial emergencies and persuades victims to send money in the name of assisting with urgent needs such as medical bills, business opportunities, or family crises.
In this case, court records show that Iduozee was a key money launderer. He oversaw numerous fraudulent bank accounts and helped funnel millions of dollars obtained from victims through various transactions, eventually transferring those funds to Nigeria.
At the sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper acknowledged the prevalence of such scams, as well as the emotional and financial devastation they cause.
Iduozee has agreed to leave the United States after serving his 42-month sentence.
“Individuals and groups who engage in these types of schemes not only cause financial loss but also shatter the trust of their victims, inflicting multiple layers of trauma and harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling. “I commend the courage of the victims in speaking up and commend the hard work of all involved in seeking to hold the conspirators accountable for their actions.”
No additional information was provided.
