Nigerian Lesli Mba Sentenced for $4M Romance Scam

Lesli Mba, a 40-year-old Nigerian, was sentenced to 19 years in a U.S. federal prison by U.S. District Judge David Hittner for his involvement in a $4 million romance scam and business email compromise scheme.

Mba, who is not a U.S. citizen, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to make false statements in immigration documents. The scheme, which operated from April 2018 to December 2023, targeted individuals and businesses, gaining unauthorized access to business email accounts to divert legitimate payments into accounts controlled by Mba and his accomplices.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Nichola Ganjei, described the crime as particularly disturbing, especially due to its impact on vulnerable victims, including senior citizens.

Mba's actions also included attempts to secure U.S. permanent residency through fraudulent marriage applications. He will face deportation to Nigeria upon completing his prison term.

The FBI's Jason Hudson condemned the manipulation involved in the romance scam, highlighting the emotional and financial devastation it caused to victims.