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Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, Chairman of Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, has been sentenced to five years in prison in the United States for orchestrating a romance scam that defrauded victims of $3.5 million. A federal court in Tacoma, Washington, handed down the ruling after finding Nwadialo guilty of defrauding eight people over 15 years.
Nwadialo, 42, used fake identities on dating platforms like Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café, posing as a military officer named “Giovanni”. He targeted vulnerable individuals, including widows and divorcees, and manipulated them into sending money under false pretenses.
The court described the offense as “devastating”, noting it caused severe financial and emotional harm to victims. One victim was in a fake relationship with Nwadialo’s online persona for three years, while another widow lost her home and life savings.
Nwadialo was arrested by the FBI at a Texas airport in 2024 and indicted on 14 counts of wire fraud. The US Department of Justice stated that Nwadialo’s actions caused lasting damage beyond financial loss, affecting victims’ personal lives and wellbeing.
The FBI investigation revealed Nwadialo used stolen images and fabricated stories to gain victims’ trust. He claimed to need money for military fines, funeral expenses, and investment opportunities.
First Assistant US Attorney Charles Neil Floyd condemned Nwadialo’s actions, saying he preyed on vulnerable individuals dealing with grief and heartbreak.
The case highlights the growing concern over online scams and their devastating impact on victims.
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