U.S. court jails Nigerian man Ehis Lawrence Akhimie for over 8 years over a $6M transnational inheritance fraud scheme targeting elderly victims.
A United States federal court has sentenced Nigerian national Ehis Lawrence Akhimie to more than eight years in prison for his involvement in a large-scale transnational inheritance fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Akhimie played a major role in an elaborate operation that deceived over 400 elderly victims, siphoning more than $6 million through fraudulent inheritance claims. Investigators revealed that the scheme targeted seniors with fake promises of unclaimed inheritances, convincing them to send large sums of money under false pretenses.
ALSO READ: Rep. Obi Aguocha Petitions Tinubu Over Nnamdi Kanu’s Critical Health Condition
U.S. authorities described the case as a significant victory against international financial crimes targeting vulnerable individuals. The court emphasized the seriousness of Akhimie’s actions and the devastating impact on the victims, many of whom lost their life savings.
This sentencing underscores the growing collaboration between U.S. law enforcement and international agencies in combating cyber-enabled and cross-border financial fraud. Authorities urge the public—particularly senior citizens—to remain vigilant against suspicious inheritance or lottery claims.