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A Ghanaian national, Wigbert Bandie, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison in Tennessee, United States, for his involvement in a $2 million international wire fraud scheme. The judgment, delivered by U.S. District Judge Thomas A. Varlan in the Eastern District of Tennessee, includes an order for Bandie to pay $2.18 million in restitution to 11 victims and to serve three years of supervised release after his incarceration.
Bandie pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud under U.S. law, specifically 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 and 1343.
Court documents revealed that Bandie participated in a network of fraudsters who primarily targeted elderly individuals across the United States. Using fake identities on social media, dating websites, and other online platforms, the conspirators established relationships with victims and manipulated them into sending money under false pretenses, such as emergencies or investment opportunities.
The scheme defrauded victims of substantial amounts, with one individual in Tennessee losing over $280,000 within months. Fraudsters also employed “money mules” to transfer the stolen funds overseas, making the operation harder to trace.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led the probe into the conspiracy, with Special Agent Matthew R. Short spearheading the investigation. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joe Carrico emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling financial crimes, particularly those targeting vulnerable populations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne H. Sullivan prosecuted the case.
Romance scams, like the one involved in this scheme, have become a widespread form of online fraud, often preying on elderly individuals and costing victims millions annually. Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant when forming online connections, especially when financial requests arise.
