A Ghanaian national, Wigbert Bandie, has been sentenced to over five years in prison for orchestrating an international wire fraud conspiracy that defrauded elderly victims of over $2 million. 

The 34-year-old was sentenced to 63 months by United States District Judge Thomas A. Varlan in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.

Following his incarceration, Bandie will serve three years of supervised release and must repay $2.18 million in restitution to his 11 victims.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Bandie and his accomplices used false identities on social media, dating websites, and other platforms to form online relationships with their victims, many of whom were elderly.

Exploiting these connections, the scammers requested financial assistance under false pretences or persuaded victims to invest in non-existent opportunities.  

"Once the victim was clearly engaged in the scam, the scammer would begin to ask for emergency financial assistance or dupe victims into non-existent investment opportunities," the DOJ stated.  

One victim in East Tennessee alone lost over $280,000 to the scheme, with other victims nationwide losing amounts ranging from a few thousand to several hundred thousand dollars.  

The operation involved co-conspirators who acted as "money mules," facilitating the movement of funds from the United States to overseas accounts via wire transfers or mail.  

U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III commended the efforts of law enforcement, particularly the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Special Agent Matthew R. Short led the investigation.  

The case underscores the dangers of online scams targeting vulnerable individuals and highlights the ongoing efforts of U.S. authorities to combat such fraudulent activities.  

The DOJ and law enforcement agencies encourage the public to remain vigilant against online romance and investment scams, which often prey on trust and emotions.