{"id":11599,"date":"2017-06-14T17:43:01","date_gmt":"2017-06-14T17:43:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/ng\/?p=3710"},"modified":"2017-06-14T17:43:01","modified_gmt":"2017-06-14T17:43:01","slug":"online-dating-fraud-in-america-nigerian-couple-gbenga-ogundele-aka-benson-ogundele-wife-mojisola-to-spend-252-months-in-federal-prison-for-defrauding-americans-of-millions-of-dollars-benson-co","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/online-dating-fraud-in-america-nigerian-couple-gbenga-ogundele-aka-benson-ogundele-wife-mojisola-to-spend-252-months-in-federal-prison-for-defrauding-americans-of-millions-of-dollars-benson-co\/","title":{"rendered":"ONLINE DATING FRAUD IN AMERICA: Nigerian Couple, Gbenga Ogundele aka Benson Ogundele, Wife, Mojisola to spend 252 MONTHS in Federal Prison…For Defrauding Americans of Millions of Dollars * Benson convicted of aggravated Identity Theft, to forfeit $2.2million *Wife to forfeit $165,000 and to pay restitution of $34,100 * Co-conspirators: Victor Oyewumi Oloyede, age 42, sentenced to 234 months in prison, Olusegun Charles Ogunseye, age 59, Olufemi Wilfred Williams, age 28 and Adeyinka Olubunmi Awolaja, Jr., age 34, of New Carollton, Maryland, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU\/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF,UNITED STATES OF AMERICA"},"content":{"rendered":"

ONLINE DATING FRAUD IN AMERICA:<\/strong>
\nNigerian Couple, Gbenga Ogundele aka Benson Ogundele, Wife, Mojisola to spend 252 MONTHS in Federal Prison…For Defrauding Americans of Millions of Dollars<\/strong>
\n* Benson convicted of aggravated Identity Theft, to forfeit $2.2million<\/strong>
\n*Wife to forfeit $165,000 and to pay restitution of $34,100<\/strong>
\n* Co-conspirators: Victor Oyewumi Oloyede, age 42, sentenced to 234 months in prison, Olusegun Charles Ogunseye, age 59, Olufemi Wilfred Williams, age 28 and Adeyinka Olubunmi Awolaja, Jr., age 34, of New Carollton, Maryland, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>BY GEORGE ELIJAH OTUMU\/FOREIGN BUREAU CHIEF,UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<\/strong><\/p>\n

NIGERIAN MAN AND WIFE, Gbenga Ogundele alias Benson Ogundele, 58 years and wife, Mojisola Oluwakemi Tin Popoola, age 42, resident of Laurel, Maryland in United States have been sentenced\u00a0to 234 months, 18 months each, making it a total of 252 months in Federal Prisons for defrauding innocent and unsuspecting American public by extorting from them millions of dollars using phony Internet Dating Site. <\/strong>
\nAccording to an official statement from United States Department of Justice issued recently titled: ‘Laurel Man Sentenced to Over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Victims of Millions of Dollars Through Internet Dating Scam,’ it states that a U.S District Judge, Paul W. Grimm has sentenced Gbenga Ogundele aka Benson Ogundele, age 58; of Laurel, Maryland to 234 months in prison, and sentenced his wife, Moji Popoola, aka Mojisola Oluwakemi Tin Popoola, age 42, to 18 months in prison, each followed by three years of supervised release.<\/strong>
\nThey were jailed for conspiracies to commit wire fraud and money laundering arising from a scheme to defraud vulnerable victims of millions of dollars. Ogundele was also convicted of aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme. <\/strong>
\nThe statement reads: “U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Gbenga Ogundele a\/k\/a \u201cBenson Ogundele,\u201d age 58; of Laurel, Maryland, today to 234 months in prison, and sentenced his wife, Moji Popoola, a\/k\/a \u201cMojisola Oluwakemi Tin Popoola\u201d and \u201cMoji T. Popoola,\u201d age 42, also of Laurel, to 18 months in prison, each followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracies to commit wire fraud and money laundering arising from a scheme to defraud vulnerable victims of millions of dollars. Ogundele was also convicted of aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme. Judge Grimm ordered that Mojisola Popoola\u2019s supervised release is to be served in home detention. Judge Grimm also ordered Ogundele to forfeit $2,195,103.36, and ordered Mojisola Popoola to forfeit approximately $165,000 and to pay restitution of $34,100.<\/strong>
\n“On March 20, 2017, Judge Grimm sentenced Moji Popoola\u2019s brother, Babatunde Emmanuel Popoola, a\/k\/a \u201cEmmanuel Popoola\u201d and \u201cTunde Popoola, age 34, of Bowie, Maryland, to 12 years in prison, on the same charges. Judge Grimm ordered Babatunde Popoola to pay restitution of $465,170.76. Ogundele and the Popoolas were convicted on November 18, 2016, after a 17-day trial.”<\/strong>
\n Meanwhile, in a related case, “Funmilayo Joyce Shodeke, age 67, of Burtonsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty on March 22, 2017 to conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business, and was sentenced to 13 months\u2019 probation, and ordered to forfeit $29,900.<\/strong>
\n“The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.<\/strong>
\n “According to the evidence presented at trial, and co-conspirators\u2019 plea agreements, from January 2011 to May 18, 2015, members of the conspiracy searched online dating websites to initiate romantic relationships with vulnerable male and female individuals. They phoned, emailed, texted and used internet chat messenger services to form romantic relationships with the victims, who lived in Maryland and around the country.<\/strong>
\n “Members of the conspiracy used false stories and promises to convince the victims to provide money to the conspirators, including fake hospital bills, plane trips to visit the victims, problems with overseas businesses and foreign taxes. Ogundele, the Popoolas, co-conspirators Olusegun Charles Ogunseye, Olufemi Wilfred Williams, Adeyinka Olubunmi Awolaja and others opened bank accounts, called \u201cdrop accounts,\u201d in order to receive millions of dollars from the victims. The victims provided money to the defendants as a result of the false stories and promises, either depositing money directly into drop accounts controlled by the defendants, or by checks sent to the conspirators. The payments from victims ranged from $1,720 to $50,000. Ogundele, Babatunde Popoola, and others used victims\u2019 names, bank account numbers or driver\u2019s licenses in furtherance of the fraud scheme.”<\/strong>
\n The press statement described the Nigerian couple mode of fraud: “Ogundele, the Popoolas, Ogunseye, Williams, Awolaja and their co-conspirators dispersed money received from the victims by transferring funds to other accounts controlled by the conspirators, by obtaining cashier\u2019s checks, and by writing checks to individuals or entities, in order to conceal the nature, source, and control of those assets.<\/strong>
\n “Co-conspirator Victor Oyewumi Oloyede, age 42, of Laurel, Maryland, was also convicted at trial for his role in the fraud scheme. Oloyede was sentenced to 234 months in prison.<\/strong>
\n “Co-conspirators Olusegun Charles Ogunseye, age 59 of Laurel, Maryland, Olufemi Wilfred Williams, age 28, of Owings Mills, Maryland, and Adeyinka Olubunmi Awolaja, Jr., age 34, of New Carollton, Maryland, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Judge Grimm scheduled sentencing for Awolaja on June 12, 2017, for Ogunseye on July 25, 2017, and for Williams on July 27, 2017, all at 2:30 p.m.<\/strong>
\n “The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.<\/strong>
\n “Today\u2019s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President\u2019s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys\u2019 offices, and state and local partners, it\u2019s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov”<\/strong><\/p>\n

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong>
\nWednesday, March 22, 2017<\/strong>
\nLaurel Man Sentenced to Over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Defrauding Victims of Millions of Dollars Through Internet Dating Scam<\/strong><\/p>\n

Three Other Members of the Conspiracy Also Sentenced for Their Roles in the Scheme<\/strong><\/p>\n

Greenbelt, Maryland \u2013 U.S. District Judge Paul W. Grimm sentenced Gbenga Ogundele a\/k\/a \u201cBenson Ogundele,\u201d age 58; of Laurel, Maryland, today to 234 months in prison, and sentenced his wife, Moji Popoola, a\/k\/a \u201cMojisola Oluwakemi Tin Popoola\u201d and \u201cMoji T. Popoola,\u201d age 42, also of Laurel, to 18 months in prison, each followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracies to commit wire fraud and money laundering arising from a scheme to defraud vulnerable victims of millions of dollars. Ogundele was also convicted of aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme. Judge Grimm ordered that Mojisola Popoola\u2019s supervised release is to be served in home detention. Judge Grimm also ordered Ogundele to forfeit $2,195,103.36, and ordered Mojisola Popoola to forfeit approximately $165,000 and to pay restitution of $34,100.<\/strong><\/p>\n

On March 20, 2017, Judge Grimm sentenced Moji Popoola\u2019s brother, Babatunde Emmanuel Popoola, a\/k\/a \u201cEmmanuel Popoola\u201d and \u201cTunde Popoola, age 34, of Bowie, Maryland, to 12 years in prison, on the same charges. Judge Grimm ordered Babatunde Popoola to pay restitution of $465,170.76. Ogundele and the Popoolas were convicted on November 18, 2016, after a 17-day trial.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a related case, Funmilayo Joyce Shodeke, age 67, of Burtonsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty on March 22, 2017 to conducting an unlicensed money transmitting business, and was sentenced to 13 months\u2019 probation, and ordered to forfeit $29,900.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The sentences were announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein and Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to the evidence presented at trial, and co-conspirators\u2019 plea agreements, from January 2011 to May 18, 2015, members of the conspiracy searched online dating websites to initiate romantic relationships with vulnerable male and female individuals. They phoned, emailed, texted and used internet chat messenger services to form romantic relationships with the victims, who lived in Maryland and around the country.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Members of the conspiracy used false stories and promises to convince the victims to provide money to the conspirators, including fake hospital bills, plane trips to visit the victims, problems with overseas businesses and foreign taxes. Ogundele, the Popoolas, co-conspirators Olusegun Charles Ogunseye, Olufemi Wilfred Williams, Adeyinka Olubunmi Awolaja and others opened bank accounts, called \u201cdrop accounts,\u201d in order to receive millions of dollars from the victims. The victims provided money to the defendants as a result of the false stories and promises, either depositing money directly into drop accounts controlled by the defendants, or by checks sent to the conspirators. The payments from victims ranged from $1,720 to $50,000. Ogundele, Babatunde Popoola, and others used victims\u2019 names, bank account numbers or driver\u2019s licenses in furtherance of the fraud scheme.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ogundele, the Popoolas, Ogunseye, Williams, Awolaja and their co-conspirators dispersed money received from the victims by transferring funds to other accounts controlled by the conspirators, by obtaining cashier\u2019s checks, and by writing checks to individuals or entities, in order to conceal the nature, source, and control of those assets.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Co-conspirator Victor Oyewumi Oloyede, age 42, of Laurel, Maryland, was also convicted at trial for his role in the fraud scheme. Oloyede was sentenced to 234 months in prison.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Co-conspirators Olusegun Charles Ogunseye, age 59 of Laurel, Maryland, Olufemi Wilfred Williams, age 28, of Owings Mills, Maryland, and Adeyinka Olubunmi Awolaja, Jr., age 34, of New Carollton, Maryland, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Judge Grimm scheduled sentencing for Awolaja on June 12, 2017, for Ogunseye on July 25, 2017, and for Williams on July 27, 2017, all at 2:30 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Maryland Identity Theft Working Group has been working since 2006 to foster cooperation among local, state, federal, and institutional fraud investigators and to promote effective prosecution of identity theft schemes by both state and federal prosecutors. This case, as well as other cases brought by members of the Working Group, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to work with financial institutions and businesses to address identity fraud, identify those who compromise personal identity information, and protect citizens from identity theft.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today\u2019s announcement is part of the efforts undertaken in connection with the President\u2019s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys\u2019 offices, and state and local partners, it\u2019s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visit www.StopFraud.gov.<\/strong><\/p>\n

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas P. Windom, who is prosecuting the case.<\/strong>
\nTopic(s): <\/strong>
\nFinancial Fraud<\/strong>
\nIdentity Theft<\/strong>
\nComponent(s): <\/strong>
\nUSAO – Maryland<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

ONLINE DATING FRAUD IN AMERICA: Nigerian Couple, Gbenga Ogundele aka Benson Ogundele, Wife, Mojisola to spend 252 MONTHS in Federal Prison…For Defrauding Americans of Millions of Dollars * Benson convicted of aggravated Identity Theft, to forfeit $2.2million *Wife to forfeit $165,000 and to pay restitution of $34,100 * Co-conspirators: Victor Oyewumi Oloyede, age 42, sentenced […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3711,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[105],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-11599","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-crime"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11599","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11599"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11599\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3711"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11599"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11599"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nigeriastandardnewspaper.com\/a\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11599"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}