US-based Nigerian Socialite Darlington Akporugo Pleads Guilty to $3 Million Fraud After Arrest on Wedding Day

Nigerian socialite Darlington Akporugo, 47, faces up to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to his involvement in a multimillion-dollar romance scam targeting over 25 victims, primarily elderly individuals, across the United States. The scheme defrauded victims of more than $3 million.Akporugo was arrested just hours before his planned wedding to fiancée Jasmin Sood in early 2024. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) led the years-long investigation into the Houston-based syndicate, which Akporugo admitted to leading. He pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, as well as aiding and abetting wire fraud.The scam involved creating fake social media profiles, mainly on Facebook, to lure victims into fraudulent investments or fabricated emergencies. Victims were persuaded to transfer money to accounts controlled by Akporugo and his accomplices, with funds often funneled overseas. Some were also manipulated into opening lines of credit or purchasing luxury items for Akporugo’s personal use.“This individual and his co-conspirators preyed on the vulnerability of the elderly and recently widowed,” said Chad Plantz, ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge. He credited the bravery of victims and international law enforcement cooperation for dismantling the fraud ring.Akporugo remains in custody ahead of his June 6 sentencing and is likely to be deported after serving his sentence.

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