Daniel Chima Inweregbu, a 40-year-old Nigerian from Lagos, has pleaded guilty to charges related to a romance scam that defrauded multiple U.S. citizens of over $405,000.
Inweregbu admitted to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, as well as money laundering, during a court appearance on August 21, 2025, before a U.S. federal court in New Orleans.
Between July 2017 and December 2018, Inweregbu and his co-conspirators operated a scheme using fake online identities, including the alias “Larry Pham,” to establish relationships with American women through dating websites and social media platforms. They manipulated their victims into sending money by making fraudulent promises and representations. The illicit funds were transferred to domestic accounts under the conspirators’ control and subsequently laundered through third parties to conceal their origin and ownership.
Inweregbu is scheduled for sentencing on December 4, 2025, and faces up to 20 years in prison for the fraud charge, an additional 20 years for the money laundering charge, fines totaling up to $750,000, and three years of supervised release following any prison term.
The case underscores the ongoing threat of online romance scams, which continue to exploit individuals seeking companionship. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution in online relationships and report any suspicious activity.
