Nigerian Couple Sentenced for Catfishing Scheme, Husband to Be Deported After Prison Term
The United States Department of Justice has revealed that Edwin Okoronkwo, a Nigerian national, has been sentenced to 75 months in prison for his involvement in a catfishing scheme that defrauded American victims. After completing his sentence, Okoronkwo will be deported to Nigeria.
His wife, Julie Okoronkwo, who played a key role in the scheme, was sentenced to 25 months behind bars. The couple, both permanent residents of the U.S., used fake online personas, including impersonating high-ranking U.S. military officers, to deceive victims into sending money. Julie Okoronkwo furthered the scam by contacting victims over the phone and using her position at a hospital to obtain sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license details.
The fraud operation relied on stolen identities and targeted victims across the U.S., who were tricked into using postal services, such as FedEx and UPS, to send funds.
U.S. District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Edwin on January 29, 2025, ordering him to pay $342,535 in restitution to the victims. In addition to his prison term, Edwin will serve three years of supervised release following his release and will be deported upon completion of his sentence. The judge described the crimes as “truly a tragedy for the victims.”
Julie Okoronkwo had already been sentenced to 25 months in prison on January 10, 2025.
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