SAN ANTONIO (Texas News Radio) — A Nigerian prince, who turned into a very expensive frog, was sentenced in an Austin federal courtroom Tuesday.
Federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Texas say 34-year-old Kingsley Otuya, a Nigerian national, pleaded guilty to a count of conspiracy to commit money laundering in April.
Investigators began looking into Otuya’s activities as part of a series of investigations into West African fraud schemes. The investigation was based in Austin.
In this case, Otuya swindled more than $1 million from American citizens through romance and investment fraud schemes.
Investigators say his role in the operation was that of a “catcher”. Otuya was responsible for quickly withdrawing fraudulently obtained funds from banks accounts where the victims would put their money. He opened nine bank accounts using fake names in Austin using fake passports. Otuya would also only withdraw amounts under $10,000 to avoid bank reporting requirements.
That money would then be sent to his co-conspirators before the victim tried to recover it.
Prosecutors say a number of victims faced serious hardship because of the crime. One victim even killed herself when she lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in the scheme and learned her love interest was just a fantasy.
“This case brutally illustrates how fraud schemes hurt victims not only financially but also emotionally,” said U.S. Attorney John F. Bash. “We will remain steadfast in our efforts to protect Americans from transnational criminal conspiracies.”
Otuya was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison Tuesday and was ordered to pay over $966,000 in restitution.
He also likely faces deportation back to Nigeria as a result of this conviction.
“Today’s sentence shows how aggressively HSI investigates financial crimes, and its commitment to bring to justice those who perpetrate them,” said Special Agent in Charge Folden. “The people behind these transnational fraud schemes robbed people of more than $1 million, and our special agents are committed to protect the public and the integrity of our financial system.”