Full Breakdown
Nigerian National Sentenced to Five Years for $3.5 Million Online Romance Scam
6/25/2026, 3:04:53 AM
Sentencing and Core Offense
On June 23, 2026, U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright sentenced Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, a 42-year-old Nigerian national, to five years in federal prison for a romance-fraud scheme that stole more than $3.5 million. Nwadialo pleaded guilty to 14 wire-fraud counts after a December 2023 indictment. He was arrested at a Texas airport in 2024 shortly after entering the United States.
Scheme Overview
Prosecutors say the fraud operated for roughly 15 years, targeting older adults—particularly widowed or divorced individuals—through dating sites Match, Zoosk and Christian Café. Nwadialo created false profiles under variations of the name “Giovanni,” used stolen photographs, and claimed military service to explain why he could not meet in person. He fabricated emergencies such as a $150,000 alleged military fine, funeral costs, school tuition, and investment opportunities, and at times claimed to run a non-profit for autistic children. The investigation was led by FBI Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Harrington, with First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd handling prosecution.
Victim Impact
Court filings identify at least eight victims who collectively lost $3.5 million. Victims described shame, depression, and isolation from family. One survivor maintained a three-year online relationship before FBI investigators disclosed the fraud. A widowed victim liquidated her home and savings to cover a purported funeral expense, leaving her with ongoing debt and emotional distress.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Cartwright described the conduct as devastating and said it ruined lives beyond financial loss. Prosecutors labeled the scheme extremely serious and warned that some victims may never fully recover. FBI Special Agent in Charge Harrington highlighted the systematic trust-building and deception used to steal life savings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This defendant preyed on those already suffering from the loss of loved ones or other heartbreak. For some 15 years, he upended the lives of people he never met,” — Charles Neil Floyd, First Assistant U.S. Attorney
- “He spun tale after tale to gain the victims’ trust and their money — even claiming to run a non-profit providing services for autistic children.” — Charles Neil Floyd, First Assistant U.S. Attorney
- “not an exaggeration to say it ruined lives—not only financial lives” — Tiffany M. Cartwright, U.S. District Judge
- “For years, Mr. Nwadialo preyed on vulnerable victims looking for relationships online, gained their trust, and told them lies to steal their life savings totaling millions of dollars,” — W. Mike Harrington, FBI Special Agent in Charge
What’s Next
Nwadialo will serve his sentence in a federal facility, followed by supervised release. Prosecutors noted that the case underscores law-enforcement focus on online romance fraud and suggests continued investigations of similar schemes.
