A Nigerian, Daniel Chima Inweregbu, 40, has pleaded guilty in the United States to charges relating to a romance scam that defrauded American victims of more than $405,000.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson on August 21, 2025, following Inweregbu’s plea before Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown at the Eastern District of Louisiana.
According to a statement by Shane M. Jones, Public Information Officer for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Inweregbu admitted to two counts — conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and using an assumed name (Count 1), and conspiracy to commit money laundering (Count 12).
The Romance Scam Operation
Investigators revealed that between July 2017 and December 2018, Inweregbu and his co-conspirators created fake online profiles on dating sites and social media using the alias “Larry Pham”, posing as a middle-aged man.
The group targeted middle-aged American women, luring them into online relationships. Once emotional trust was gained, the victims were persuaded to send money under false pretenses.
The funds, prosecutors said, were deposited into U.S. bank accounts managed by the conspirators before being laundered through intermediaries to conceal their origins.
The Victims and Losses
At least four women were confirmed victims of the scheme, suffering combined actual and intended losses exceeding $405,000.
“The defendant and his co-conspirators exploited the victims’ trust and desire for companionship, only to manipulate them for financial gain,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Possible Sentencing
Inweregbu now faces severe penalties:
• Up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine for Count 1.
• Up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $500,000 fine for Count 12.
• A mandatory $100 special assessment fee per count also applies.
Sentencing has been fixed for December 4, 2025, before Judge Brown.
