ILLINOIS — A years-long international fraud operation led by a Nigerian scam mastermind has come to an end after the FBI in Illinois captured and convicted 33-year-old Ridwan Adeleke Adepoju, a central figure in various online scams that defrauded countless U.S. victims.
The news, confirmed by both the FBI’s Chicago field office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois, sheds light on a sprawling criminal enterprise that included phishing attacks, romance scams, and the filing of fake tax returns.
Scam Operation Spanned Years and Borders
Federal officials say Adepoju and several Nigerian co-conspirators operated a complex scheme that targeted Americans through emails and romantic manipulation. Once lured in, victims were persuaded to provide financial information or send money, believing they were helping someone they trusted.
The group also engaged in fraudulent tax filings — stealing identities and redirecting refunds. These criminal actions persisted over several years, involving dozens of victims and millions in potential damages.
Adepoju was arrested last year in the United Kingdom and subsequently extradited to the United States. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was recently sentenced to three and a half years in federal prison, as confirmed by the U.S. Department of Justice.
U.S. Prosecutors Highlight the Fraud’s Severity
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Marie E. Ursini, who led the prosecution, emphasized the scale and intent behind the crimes:
“Defendant’s offense involved a years-long, complex scheme, involving several types of scams and many victims,” she wrote in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Defendant chose to be a willing participant in the scheme over and over again.”
The FBI’s Chicago division also acknowledged the case on their official Facebook page, noting the importance of international collaboration in bringing the scam leader to justice.
Why So Many Scams Trace Back to Nigeria?
The phenomenon of Nigerian-based online fraud has drawn global attention. In fact, a BBC report previously explored how economic instability, lack of opportunity, and poor governance have contributed to a culture where scammers are sometimes even glamorized by younger generations.
Online safety experts continue to warn that U.S. residents must remain vigilant, especially when dealing with unsolicited emails or social media connections promising romance, investment opportunities, or sudden wealth.
Public Impact and Ongoing Warnings
While Adepoju’s capture marks a significant victory, federal authorities stress that scams like these are far from over. The FBI urges anyone who suspects they’ve been targeted by a phishing, romance, or identity fraud scam to report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
This case stands as a stark reminder of how global cybercrime can have personal consequences for everyday Americans — from drained bank accounts to shattered trust.
What do you think about this international crackdown? Have you or someone you know ever received one of those suspicious “Nigerian prince” emails? Let us know in the comments at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
