Nigeria , Apr 09, 2025
The FBI has officially indicted a Nigerian national, Emeka Chibuike, for his involvement in a high-value romance scam that exploited emotional trust for financial gain. This case adds to a growing list of cyber-enabled frauds that prey on people’s vulnerability through online relationships, especially targeting seniors and those living alone.
The Scam: Love Turned Into Fraud
According to the indictment, Chibuike posed as a wealthy American businessman using fake identities on dating platforms. He developed online relationships with several victims over months, convincing them that he was genuinely in love and planned to settle down with them.
Once emotional trust was established, he fabricated emergency stories — such as a frozen bank account, urgent medical bills, or a business deal in jeopardy — and requested wire transfers. Over $750,000 was funneled through multiple victims, all believing they were helping someone they loved.
How the FBI Tracked Him Down
The FBI cybercrime unit, in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Nigeria, traced the financial trails and communication logs used by Chibuike. Investigators uncovered a network of collaborators who helped launder the money through shell companies and crypto wallets.
Chibuike was apprehended in Lagos and extradited to the United States under cyber fraud agreements between the two nations. He now faces multiple charges, including wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering, which could result in up to 30 years in federal prison if convicted.
A Growing Global Issue
The FBI warns that romance scams are on the rise, with victims in the U.S. alone losing nearly $1.3 billion in 2024, according to official figures. Scammers typically target individuals through dating apps, social media, and even casual email or SMS contact.
Authorities urge people to be cautious of individuals who quickly profess love and request money. They also recommend using reverse image searches and avoiding financial involvement with someone never met in person.
This case stands as a sobering reminder that online love can come at a high emotional and financial cost when criminals exploit trust.
