Nigerian Romance Scammer Pleads Guilty After Defrauding U.S. Victims of $400,000

A Nigerian national has admitted to orchestrating a years-long romance scam that defrauded several U.S. citizens of more than $400,000.

Daniel Chima Inweregbu, 40, pleaded guilty on August 21, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced the development in a statement released by the Justice Department on Friday, August 29.

Court documents revealed that between July 2017 and December 2018, Inweregbu and his co-conspirators created fake profiles on social media and online dating platforms under the alias “Larry Pham.” The fictitious persona was presented as a middle-aged man seeking companionship, specifically targeting middle-aged women in the United States. Once initial contact was made, the conspirators used online messaging platforms and email to develop relationships, gain victims’ trust, and cultivate emotional attachments.

After establishing these fraudulent bonds, Inweregbu and his partners convinced victims to transfer money under various pretenses to domestic bank accounts they controlled. The scheme resulted in actual and intended losses of over \$405,000. Authorities said the group also laundered the proceeds through a series of financial transactions designed to conceal the origin and ownership of the funds, often funneling the money through intermediaries.

Inweregbu faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a \$250,000 fine on the fraud count, as well as up to 20 years, three years of supervised release, and a \$500,000 fine on the money laundering count. He is also subject to a mandatory \$100 special assessment fee per count. Sentencing has been scheduled for December 4, 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its work on the case, while also recognizing the support of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of State. The prosecution is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit.