The Brief
- Five people received lengthy federal prison sentences in a transnational fraud scheme that swindled approximately $17 million from victims worldwide, including the elderly.
- The scheme, which began in 2017, involved online romance scams, business email compromises, investor fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud.
- Sentences ranged from 109 months to 480 months (40 years) for their roles in orchestrating and laundering the fraudulently obtained funds.
TEXAS – Five people from Texas were given lengthy federal prison sentences Monday for their roles in an elaborate, transnational fraud scheme that swindled approximately $17 million from victims worldwide, including vulnerable elderly individuals.
U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III handed down the sentences on June 16, 2025. The scheme, which began around January 2017, involved online romance scams, business email compromises, investor fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud.
Defendants and Sentences
Damilola Kumapayi, aka “Luke Morris,” 39, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 109 months in federal prison.
Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, aka “General,” 50, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering. She received a sentence of 365 months.…