Three were found guilty at trial and received sentences of up to 115 years in prison. Twelve pleaded guilty and were sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Investigators worked with South Africa and Canada to extradite those responsible. "Many of the victims targeted with counterfeit checks, this episode just sent them into a financial spiral that they're still dealing with," Mulroe said. "We have victim statements where people lost their homes," Annette Williams said. "They had no jobs, they had no source of income other than these scams."Īt the same time, victims in the U.S. "That they had cars that other students didn't have, they had the watches and all of that, and they threw a lot of parties," Annette Williams said. The Nigerian criminals were living large for local standards, both at home in Nigeria and in South Africa, where many of the students were living on student visas. "It probably moved through four different hands before something went overseas," Annette Williams said. Ultimately the proceeds were wired back to Africa. These victims unwittingly helped carry out a bunch of money-making schemes, like cashing fake checks and shipping goods bought with stolen credit cards. The Nigerian crime ring created a network of what investigators call electronic-mules, or e-mules, across the U.S. "That one phone call took down this massive fraud network," said Conor Mulroe, a Department of Justice trial attorney, who prosecuted the case. That's when she got suspicious and called police. N.J.'s online boyfriend sent her a box of phones and asked her to mail them to Africa. … It was like … if he was here and we knew each other," she said. "He asked me about my family and I asked him about his. That's what happened to N.J., who asked CNBC to identify her by her initials. "I want you to assist me pay the bill," one note asked. "We should be able to take this relationship to another level when i get home."Īfter a relationship was established, the con artists began asking for favors. "Am in West Africa for a particular contract but would be getting that accomplished in a couple of week…" "Am totally new to this online dating stuff…" "They were asking, 'why aren't I hearing from you? Where are you? What do you want me to do with the clothes, with the laptop I purchased?" he said. That woman drove miles to a rural town to meet a man she had never met, but believed she was in love with. "The person told my wife that she had met me with my name" on a dating website. … I got a call from my wife that someone had come onto our property looking for me," said the agent, who spoke to CNBC on the condition of anonymity. "I was overseas on a government assignment. Prosecutors in Gulfport, Mississippi, recently took down one Nigerian crime ring that brought in $52 million.įor one former government agent, that scam began with a woman showing up at his door. They recently released a report on West African cybercrime, which includes Nigeria. "It's great for kids and families that aren't ready for big cons."What these are, are really finely tuned, sophisticated schemes that are targeted to separate you from your money," said Mark Nunnikhoven, vice president of cloud research at cybersecurity company Trend Micro. "What makes Melbourne Toy and Comic Con special is that it is a taste of a bigger comic con in a smaller format," said Shea. Part of the charm is the convention's small-town vibe. "There's a huge geek scene in Melbourne, and having a convention annually lets people connect and reconnect," he said. Rick Shea, owner of Famous Faces & Funnies and co-owner of the Comic Con, estimates around 2,000 people will attend throughout the day.įor Shea, the event is all about connecting with the local community. The one-day event will be on Sunday, Oct. The fan-friendly comic and toy convention aims to provide affordable nerdy fun right in our own backyard. If you're excited to try out your costume before Halloween, or just looking for inspiration, get ready to geek out at the Melbourne Toy and Comic Con this Sunday. Support local journalism by subscribing at Special Offers - USAToday Network.
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