A United States federal court has sentenced Leslie Chinedu Mba, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, to 19 years (228 months) in federal prison for his role in a $4 million fraud operation that combined romance scams business email compromise and attempts to illegally obtain permanent residency through fraudulent marriages, official court records show.

Mba pleaded guilty on December 4, 2025 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit false statements in immigration documents, acknowledging his involvement in schemes that targeted unsuspecting individuals and businesses across the United States between April 2018 and December 2023.

Prosecutors said the operation included a pattern of romance scams where victims, often elderly Americans seeking companionship online, were manipulated into sending money under false pretences. In other frauds business email accounts were compromised and payments redirected to bank accounts controlled by Mba and co-conspirators, resulting in more than $4 million in losses.

In addition to financial fraud, the court heard that Mba attempted to secure lawful permanent residency in the United States through multiple sham marriages after his initial application was denied, a tactic prosecutors said formed part of his plan to remain in the country under “false pretences”.

U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed down the 228-month sentence on Thursday February 26 2026, saying the severity of the crimes warranted a lengthy prison term. Because Mba is not a U.S. citizen he is also expected to face deportation proceedings after he serves his sentence.

Four co-defendants in the case previously pleaded guilty to similar charges. Three — Grace Morisho, Rodgers Kadikilo and Kristin Smith — received sentences of 15 to 25 months, while Alexandra Golovko was given five years’ probation, according to court filings.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said the investigation revealed how romance scams “prey upon the lonely and vulnerable” and cause profound financial and emotional harm to victims. He affirmed that law enforcement will continue to pursue individuals who exploit trust for criminal gain.

Mba will be held in custody until he can be transferred to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to begin his sentence. Once his prison term is completed immigration authorities are expected to begin removal proceedings to send him back to Nigeria.