Nigerian socialite Darlington Akporugo, 47, faces up to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to leading a multimillion-dollar romance scam targeting elderly victims across the U.S., particularly in Houston. Arrested hours before his wedding to fiancée Jasmin Sood in early 2024, Akporugo admitted to orchestrating the scheme, which defrauded over 25 victims of their life savings through fake online identities on platforms like Facebook.
Operating illegally in the U.S., Akporugo and his accomplices lured victims into fraudulent investments or fabricated emergencies, directing them to transfer money into accounts they controlled. Some victims were even coerced into opening credit lines or purchasing luxury items for him. The funds were often funneled overseas.
ICE Special Agent Chad Plantz condemned the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, crediting victim testimonies and international cooperation for dismantling the fraud ring. Akporugo remains in custody ahead of his June 6 sentencing and is expected to be deported after serving his sentence.
