Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo, the 42-year-old Chairman of the Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, has been sentenced to five years in a federal prison. The sentencing follows his conviction for running an extensive online romance fraud operation that swindled victims out of more than $3.5 million.
U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright issued the ruling in Tacoma, Washington, labeling the criminal activities as devastating. Beyond the massive financial depletion, the court highlighted that victims suffered lasting emotional trauma, including depression and estrangement from their families. During the proceedings, prosecutors detailed how Nwadialo, often operating under the alias Giovanni, spent 15 years targeting vulnerable individuals on platforms like Match and Zoosk. By masquerading as a military officer, he manipulated widows and divorcees into sending money for fictitious emergencies, such as false funerals or investment needs.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd noted that Nwadialo even feigned managing a non-profit for autistic children to secure funds. One victim reported losing her home and life savings after being deceived for years. Nwadialo was apprehended in 2024 at a Texas airport and subsequently faced 14 counts of wire fraud. The investigation was led by the FBI, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sok Tea Jiang and David T. Martin.
