A Ghana man has been sentenced to over five years in prison after pleading guilty to running an online romance scam that deceived multiple victims across the U.S., many of them elderly women. The sentencing took place in an East Tennessee courtroom, where 34-year-old Wigbert Bandie faced charges for his role in the fraudulent scheme.
Prosecutors revealed that Bandie worked with a network of scammers who created fake profiles on social media platforms, dating sites, and other websites. Their primary targets were elderly women, with whom they would build friendships and romantic relationships under pretenses.
Once trust was established, the scammers would request financial help for fabricated emergencies or present fake investment opportunities to their victims. These requests often started with small amounts of money but gradually escalated to larger sums.
One victim in East Tennessee lost over $280,000 in just a few months. Nationwide, victims reported losing amounts ranging from a few thousand dollars to several hundred thousand dollars.
Bandie and his accomplices utilized “money mules” to facilitate their operations. These individuals helped move the stolen funds from the United States to overseas locations, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace and recover the money.
After pleading guilty to his involvement in the scheme, Bandie was sentenced to 63 months in prison by the judge. Additionally, he was ordered to repay around $2.18 million in restitution to the victims.
Prosecutors emphasized the devastating financial and emotional impact of scams like this, particularly on vulnerable populations such as elderly individuals. They also highlighted the need for heightened awareness about online fraud to prevent similar crimes in the future.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in online spaces and the importance of staying vigilant when interacting with strangers, particularly on social media and dating platforms.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates.
