By: Richard L. Smith
In Camden federal court, a former Burlington County couple and a third defendant have entered guilty pleas to charges related to a sophisticated romance fraud that swindled over $4.5 million from unsuspecting victims. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the convictions, highlighting the elaborate scam that preyed on over 100 individuals across the United States.
Martins Friday Inalegwu, 35, and his wife, Steincy Mathieu, 27, both formerly of Maple Shade, New Jersey, along with Oluwaseyi Fatolu, 56, of Springfield, were implicated in a scheme that involved wooing victims through online dating sites and convincing them to send money for fabricated emergencies.
The victims, misled by false romantic intentions, transferred millions to the conspirators, unaware of the scam.
Inalegwu faced charges of operating an unlawful money-transmitting business and tax evasion, while Mathieu was charged with tax evasion.
Fatolu pleaded guilty to operating an unlawful money-transmitting business.
The fraudulent activities, extending from October 2016 to May 2020, involved direct transfers and wire payments to accounts controlled by Inalegwu and Mathieu, who lavishly spent the ill-gotten gains on personal expenses and failed to report the income for tax purposes.
The case, prosecuted before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn, has drawn attention to the insidious nature of romance scams and the severe financial and emotional toll they exact on victims.
Law enforcement officials, including representatives from the FBI, HSI Newark, and the IRS, emphasized the importance of online vigilance and the continuous efforts to dismantle such fraudulent operations.
The convictions serve as a warning to potential fraudsters about the consequences of financial engagement.
