A 41-year-old Nigerian, Babajide Adesayo, has been convicted by a federal jury in the United States for laundering more than $2.7m linked to romance fraud and other online scams.
Adesayo, a resident of Douglasville, Georgia, was found guilty on August 6 following an eight-day trial, according to the US Department of Justice.
He was convicted on two counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering and 16 counts of transactional money laundering.
Prosecutors said the offences occurred between April 2020 and September 2021, when fraudsters allegedly targeted elderly victims by developing fake online relationships with them.
The victims were reportedly deceived by individuals who posed as romantic partners, friends or business associates before demanding money for fabricated needs, including medical bills, business equipment, injuries and purported imprisonment.
Court evidence showed that some victims were persuaded to send large sums, including retirement savings and other personal income, to business accounts connected to Adesayo’s co-defendant, Efemena Igbe, also a Nigerian.
US authorities alleged that Igbe subsequently transferred most of the funds to facilitate payments described as purchases of vehicles from Adesayo’s automobile business.
Investigators said Adesayo then moved a significant portion of the proceeds to accounts in China, Hong Kong, Nigeria and other countries.
According to the prosecution, more than $2.7m belonging to victims passed through Adesayo’s hands during the 17-month period under investigation.
Authorities also accused him of continuing the money-laundering operation after his arrest in June 2024 while he was awaiting trial.
The Department of Justice said some victims transferred money directly into accounts linked to Adesayo’s businesses, while others sent funds through third-party accounts before the money was ultimately routed to him.
Prosecutors alleged that he frequently withdrew or transferred the money shortly after receiving it.
Following the discovery of the alleged post-arrest activities, his bond was revoked. He has remained in federal custody since March 2, 2026.
Adesayo is expected to be sentenced on November 20, 2026, by United States District Judge Mark H. Cohen.
The DOJ said each of the two conspiracy convictions carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while each transactional money-laundering conviction attracts up to 10 years.
He could also face an additional consecutive sentence of up to 10 years for allegedly committing offences while on release.
The department, however, noted that the eventual punishment would be determined by the court after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended ranges but are not binding on the judge.