A United States federal court has sentenced Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, to five years imprisonment for masterminding a long-running online romance fraud scheme that defrauded victims of over $3.5 million.
Nwadialo, 42, was sentenced by US District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright in Tacoma, Washington, according to a statement from the US Department of Justice. The judge described the fraudulent operation as “devastating,” noting that beyond the financial losses, the scheme caused emotional trauma, including depression, shame, and isolation from family members.
First Assistant US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd said Nwadialo and his associates targeted emotionally vulnerable individuals, particularly those dealing with heartbreak, divorce, or the loss of loved ones.
Prosecutors stated that Nwadialo operated fake identities on dating platforms, including Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café, often posing as a military officer identified as “Giovanni.” He manipulated victims into sending money under false pretences, including fabricated military penalties, funeral expenses, emergencies, and fraudulent investment opportunities.
Many victims were elderly, widowed, or divorced individuals who believed they were in genuine romantic relationships. One victim maintained an online relationship with the fake identity for three years before learning through the FBI that it was fraudulent. Another widow, searching for companionship after her husband’s death, lost her home and life savings after liquidating assets to send money to the suspect.
The fraud scheme operated for over 15 years. Nwadialo was arrested in 2024 at a Texas airport and indicted on 14 counts of wire fraud. The FBI investigated the case.
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