A Nigerian man and his wife were handed lengthy prison sentences for conducting a multimillion-dollar fraud that preyed on elderly individuals across the country, as detailed in a press release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston. Darlington Akporugo, 47, deemed an illegal alien from Nigeria, and his spouse, Jasmin Sood, 37, based in Houston, executed a romance scam that duped unsuspecting victims into parting with over $3 million.
Their operation was finally brought to a close following an extensive investigation by ICE HSI in Houston. Akporugo is to spend 188 months in prison, while Sood faces 121 months for their crimes of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. They’ve also been saddled with three years of supervised release after serving their sentences, and they must make full restitution amounting to $3,123,073. Akporugo entered a guilty plea on February 28, whereas Sood followed suit on December 17, 2024. During the sentencing hearing, victims detailed the couple's method of operation, one revealing how she was persuaded into purchasing a luxury vehicle and leasing a mansion for the couple, under the guise of falsehoods and manipulation, as reported by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
An expansive charade involved Akporugo leading a Houston-based romance scheme that stretched from Chicago to Kentucky. He, along with other individuals, used social media to forge relationships with the victims and convince them to pour their finances into phantom businesses or fabricated personal emergencies. Meanwhile, Sood crafted fictitious companies and bank accounts to launder the money, adept at donning various disguises to deposit the proceeds. Court testimonies revealed how older women, including several widows, were meticulously targeted by the couple's ruthless campaign.
Akporugo's audacious tactics spanned convincing victims to open lines of credit and in one striking case, to acquire a luxury car for his needless enjoyment. The scale of deceit was monumental – with over 25 victims ensnared in the fraudulent activities, culminating in losses exceeding $3 million. Both Akporugo and Sood remain in custody awaiting their transfer to a to-be-decided Federal Bureau of Prisons facility as they prepare to shoulder the consequences of their protracted masquerade.
The successful prosecution of the case was spearheaded by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter. HSI continues to underscore its commitment to extinguishing financial fraud and other cross-border criminal pursuits plaguing Southeast Texas. More details on HSI's efforts can be found by following their updates on social media at @HSIHouston.
