5 people sentenced in $1.7M laundering scam
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Five people were convicted in a multi-faceted conspiracy ran out of Nigeria, which defrauded elderly U.S. citizens of more than $1.7M through online scams.
Elderly individuals in several states, including Rhode Island, fell victim to scammers seeking romantic intentions throughout various social media platforms and dating sites, according to United States Attorney Zachary Cunha.
The scammers used the relationships to manipulate victims into giving them money to assist with personal finances.
Other victims were falsely told they had won sweepstakes but upfront cash payments were required to release the funds to the winner.
Others were further scammed into paying rent to individuals who allegedly owned property but in fact did not.
The following people have been convicted and sentenced to various prison terms for charges of money laundering and conspiracy:
- Olabode Shaba, 36, formerly of North Providence
- Dotun Olawale Oladipupu Shodipo, 44, of Providence
- Samson Ikotun, 36, formerly of East Providence
- Oluwaseyi Akintola, 38, formerly of Moscow, Idaho,
- Dotun Olawale Alonge, 47, of Providence
Several of the defendants are facing deportation after completion of their prison sentencing.
Each defendant has been ordered to pay approximately $455,750 in restitution.
An arrest warrant has also been issued for a sixth defendant, Adetunji Abudu, 38, who is a fugitive from justice.
