A United States federal court has sentenced the Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, to five years imprisonment for his role in a multimillion-dollar online romance fraud scheme.
The 42-year-old politician was convicted for orchestrating a long-running scam that defrauded victims of more than $3.5 million through fake online relationships and fraudulent investment schemes.
According to the US Department of Justice, Nwadialo used false identities on dating platforms, including Match, Zoosk and Christian Café, where he allegedly posed as a military officer named “Giovanni” to gain the trust of vulnerable individuals.
Prosecutors said the victims, many of whom were elderly, widowed or divorced, were manipulated into sending money for fabricated emergencies, military penalties, funeral expenses and fake investment opportunities.
Delivering judgment, US District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright described the scheme as “devastating,” noting that it left victims with severe financial losses and emotional trauma. Some reportedly lost their life savings, homes and personal assets.
Federal authorities disclosed that the fraudulent operation spanned more than 15 years before Nwadialo was arrested in Texas in 2024 and later charged with multiple counts of wire fraud.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which described the scam as a calculated exploitation of individuals seeking companionship online.
The conviction marks a significant victory in the fight against international cybercrime and online financial fraud.
