A 40-year-old Nigerian man, Daniel Chima Inweregbu, has pleaded guilty to a years-long romance scam that defrauded several U.S. citizens of more than $400,000.

The plea was announced on Friday, August 29, 2025, in a statement issued by Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson, following proceedings before United States District Judge Nanette Jolivette Brown.

According to the Justice Department, Inweregbu entered guilty pleas on August 21 to two federal counts: conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud using an assumed name (in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Sections 1341, 1342, 1343, and 1349) and conspiracy to commit money laundering (in violation of Title 18, U.S. Code, Sections 1956 and 1957).

Court records show that between July 2017 and December 2018, Inweregbu and his co-conspirators operated a sophisticated romance scam, targeting middle-aged American women. Using a fake online persona, “Larry Pham,” they cultivated emotional relationships with victims on dating sites and social media platforms, eventually persuading them to send money under pretences.

Once received, the illicit funds were laundered through a network of domestic bank accounts and intermediaries in an effort to disguise their origin. The scheme resulted in actual and intended losses exceeding $405,000.

If convicted, Inweregbu faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine on Count 1. On Count 12, he faces an additional 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $500,000, along with a $100 special assessment fee per count.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for leading the investigation, while also acknowledging the support of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the U.S. Department of State. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is prosecuting the case.

Nigerian Man Pleads Guilty to $400,000 U.S. Romance Scam

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