MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) – A Nigerian citizen in the United States on a student visa has been sentenced to prison for laundering money connected to an extensive romance fraud scheme targeting vulnerable Americans.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Otaniyen Iduozee was sentenced Tuesday to 42 months in federal prison for his role in laundering proceeds from the scheme, which primarily involved deceiving victims through fabricated online romantic relationships.

The so-called “romance scam” involves fraudsters using fake or stolen identities to build relationships with victims—often elderly or isolated individuals—through online dating platforms, emails, or messaging apps.

Once trust is established, the scammer creates false stories about financial emergencies and persuades victims to send money under the guise of helping with urgent needs like medical bills, business opportunities, or family crises.

In this case, court records show that Iduozee played a central role as a money launderer. He controlled numerous fraudulent bank accounts and helped funnel millions of dollars obtained from victims through various transactions, ultimately transferring those funds overseas to Nigeria.

At sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper acknowledged the widespread nature of such scams and the emotional and financial devastation they cause.

Upon completion of his 42-month sentence, Iduozee has agreed to be removed from the United States.

“Individuals and groups who engage in these types of schemes not only cause financial loss but also shatter the trust of their victims, inflicting multiple layers of trauma and harm,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling. “I commend the courage of the victims in speaking up and commend the hard work of all involved in seeking to hold the conspirators accountable for their actions.”

No additional details were provided.