A United States court has sentenced five Nigerian nationals to a total of over 159 years in prison for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme that swindled more than 100 individuals, businesses, and government entities out of approximately $17 million.

According to a statement published Wednesday on the US Department of Justice website and signed by Acting US Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Ray Combs, the convicted individuals — Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke — were members of an international criminal network.

The fraudulent operation, which began in 2017, mainly targeted elderly and vulnerable victims, employing a variety of tactics including online romance scams to gain their trust and siphon their savings.

“These defendants worked together to extract money from victims and then concealed and laundered the proceeds through a complex web of bank accounts,” Combs said. “The fraud impacted over 100 victims worldwide and resulted in roughly $17 million in losses.”

The stolen funds were moved through numerous financial channels and eventually transferred to accounts and associates based in Africa and Asia.

All five were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. While some entered guilty pleas, others were convicted at trial. Their sentences, handed down by US District Judge Amos Mazzant, are as follows:

Damilola Kumapayi (39, of Plano): 109 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen (50, of Plano): 365 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Edgal Iribhogbe (51, of Allen): 480 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Chidindu Okeke (32, of Houston): 480 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Chiagoziem Okeke (32, of Houston): 480 months for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

Attorney Combs emphasized that the harsh penalties reflect the US government’s commitment to pursuing and prosecuting fraudsters who exploit its citizens.

“These transnational criminals who target the savings of the elderly and vulnerable are reprehensible. Their sentences underscore the gravity of their offenses and our unwavering resolve to hold them accountable,” he stated.