Three were sentenced for defrauding elderly victims through wire and mail fraud.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Kalamazoo man was sentenced to 121 months in prison Wednesday for his role in a sprawling international fraud scheme targeting elderly victims. This international fraud scheme involved two accomplices from Dallas, Texas, who received lesser sentences for their involvement in the conspiracy, which exploited internet and mail systems to bilk over $2 million from victims, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. These international fraud schemes highlight the dangers faced by elderly citizens.
Sentencing Highlights Lengthy Investigation
The principal defendant, Fatai Okunola, 38, of Kalamazoo, orchestrated the fraudulent activities with individuals based primarily in Nigeria. Along with his prison sentence, Okunola was ordered to pay restitution of $731,879.16. In addition, he received concurrent sentences of 60 months for making false statements during his naturalization process and 120 months for laundering the fraud’s proceeds. Okunola will face deportation following his prison term.
This case is a stark reminder of how international fraud schemes can devastate lives and finances, especially among the elderly community…