NIGERIAN MAN SENTENCED TO 115 MONTHS IN US OVER $700,000 ROMANCE SCAM
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
A Nigerian national, Charles Nnamdi Emesim, has been sentenced to 115 months in prison in the United States for his role in a prolonged romance and internet fraud scheme that defrauded multiple victims of over $700,000.
The sentence was delivered on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier, according to a statement released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Prosecutors said Emesim, 53, a legal resident of Newark, New Jersey, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit money laundering tied to a wide range of online scams, including romance fraud, lottery scams, inheritance schemes, investment fraud, government impersonation, and medical expense scams.
Authorities stated that the criminal activities occurred between December 9, 2013, and June 28, 2024, during which Emesim allegedly operated at least 17 bank accounts under his name and through companies such as Chadon Export and Chadon Trucking.
Investigators revealed that at least 23 victims across the United States were tricked into sending more than $700,000 through cash deposits, wire transfers, cashier’s cheques, and money orders into accounts linked to him.
One victim, an elderly widow in Kentucky, was manipulated through a romance scam involving a man she believed was “Michael Oliver.” She was later introduced to a supposed customs official named “Samuel Rock,” who claimed he could help transfer wealth.
She reportedly met the impersonator at Lexington Airport, handed over money, transported him, and even bought him a tablet under false pretenses. Authorities said Emesim himself impersonated the customs official during in-person contact with the victim.
The victim ultimately lost tens of thousands of dollars through various payments, including cash, gift cards, and prepaid debit cards sent to Emesim and his associates.
Officials further said stolen funds were frequently withdrawn in cash or routed to accounts belonging to relatives, businesses, and associates in Nigeria.
U.S. prosecutors and FBI officials described the scheme as predatory and emotionally manipulative, targeting vulnerable individuals—especially the elderly—under the guise of fake relationships and false promises.
The court condemned Emesim’s actions as “heartless and unquestionably reprehensible,” citing the severe financial and emotional harm caused to victims.
Under federal law, he is expected to serve at least 85% of his sentence and will remain under supervised release for three years after his release. The case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Dieruf.
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