SALT LAKE CITY, UT — Clinton Chukudi Uchendu, 26, from Dunwoody, GA, was sentenced to over two years in prison on Monday by U.S. District Court Judge Jill N. Parrish, following his involvement in a romance scam that defrauded victims out of more than $2 million. In addition to his prison term, Uchendu has been ordered to pay $170,000 in restitution.
In March 2024, Uchendu was convicted by a federal jury on charges including conspiracy to commit money laundering, mail fraud, and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. The scam, running from February to July 2018, involved Uchendu providing U.S.-based bank accounts to collect and launder money from hundreds of victims under false pretenses.
The scheme was orchestrated by online fraudsters, known as “Yahoo Boys,” who created fake profiles to initiate romantic relationships with their victims. They often posed as U.S. soldiers, international businessmen, or celebrities, primarily operating from Nigeria. Uchendu’s role as a “picker” was crucial, as he facilitated the collection and obscuring of these illicit funds, funneling them overseas.
Uchendu personally handled about $299,000, contributing to the collective $2.4 million losses sustained by the victims during the operational period. His co-defendant, Princess Eziyi, is set to be sentenced on August 26, 2024, at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse.
U.S. Attorney Trina A. Higgins of the District of Utah emphasized the severe impact on the victims, many of whom are seniors, noting the significant financial and emotional trauma inflicted. The FBI’s Salt Lake City office, led by Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha, has highlighted the cruel nature of these scams and reiterated their commitment to prosecuting such crimes and preventing future incidents through public education and outreach.
