In a significant development, U.S. authorities have arrested Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, the recently elected Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, Nigeria, on charges of orchestrating a $3.3 million romance scam. Nwadialo, aged 40, was taken into custody upon his arrival at a Texas airport, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.
The Attorney’s Office revealed that Nwadialo had been under investigation and was indicted in December 2023 on 14 counts of wire fraud linked to the alleged romance scheme, which reportedly targeted multiple individuals, resulting in substantial financial losses. His arrest, which occurred during a trip from Nigeria, underscores the U.S. authorities’ efforts to combat international financial crimes.
“Nwadialo will be transported to the Western District of Washington for arraignment,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “All too often, the defendants in these romance scams are overseas and unreachable by U.S. law enforcement. I congratulate investigators who are alert to any opportunity to arrest such defendants and hold them accountable.”
This case highlights the challenges that law enforcement agencies face in tracking and apprehending international cybercriminals. The U.S. has intensified its pursuit of suspects allegedly involved in romance scams, which have grown increasingly common, with perpetrators frequently operating from outside U.S. borders.
If convicted, Nwadialo could face significant prison time and financial penalties, sending a strong signal regarding the U.S.’s commitment to prosecuting those responsible for fraudulent schemes.