Money Laundering Schemes Exposed in Northern Mariana Islands
Four individuals have been sentenced for their roles in a multimillion-dollar advance fee and money laundering scheme in the Northern Mariana Islands.
The Conspiracy
The scheme defrauded 60 victims of approximately $2.6 million by inducing them to pay bogus fees and expenses associated with a supposed inheritance. The fraudsters then used bank accounts to wire funds to stateside accounts controlled by co-conspirators.
Sentences Handed Down
- Sally Cruz Roberto, 56, from Santa Rita, Guam, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for her role in the scheme. She was found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 38 counts of wire fraud.
- Monique Jones, 49, from Dallas, Texas, received a 48-month sentence for her involvement in the fraud.
- Mekayda D. Jones, also from Dallas, was sentenced to 36 months.
- Okechukwu F. Iwuji, a Nigerian citizen who previously resided in Orlando, Florida, was sentenced to 45 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
The Scheme’s Operation
The fraudsters perpetrated the schemes by maintaining bank accounts in the names of shell corporations and transferring funds to co-conspirators in the United States and Nigeria. They kept at least 10% of the victim funds that flowed into their controlled bank accounts.
Authorities’ Statements
- “We will continue to pursue the collection of restitution for those harmed by the defendants’ conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Shawn N. Anderson. “The public must remain vigilant against this type of fraud.”
- “If it is too good to be true, it probably is. If you feel you have been scammed, please contact the FBI at (800) 225-5324 or report it to tips.fbi.gov,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Steven Merrill.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation was led by the FBI Guam Resident Agency, with assistance from various federal and local agencies. The case was prosecuted by Marivic P. David, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.