COLUMBUS, Ohio — A former Columbus man is facing at least two years in prison after he admitted to his role in an online-romance scam that bilked millions of dollars from victims.
Samuel Antwi pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of concealment money laundering and one count of access device fraud, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio. Antwi was arrested in July in Ghana, where he had fled after being charged in February 2018.
According to the prosecutor’s office, those involved in the romance scams created several profiles on online dating sites. The scammers then contacted men and women throughout the United States and elsewhere, established relationships with the victims and ultimately asked for money.
The victims were directed to send money to accounts, including some controlled by Antwi. Prosecutors say the fraud generated millions of dollars. Antwi is not accused of perpetrating the romance scams, but instead is charged with laundering the money, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Antwi used a company he established, E.N.O. Services, to launder the money, authorities say. From at least December 2013 through May 2015, he laundered or attempted to launder $331,150 using bank accounts in his name and his company’s name. Antwi also had stolen credit card numbers and other confidential personal information of others. Between April 26 and May 18, 2016, he had at least 87 stolen credit card numbers, authorities say.
“Scammers use online dating sites to build trust relationships with victims and persuade them to send money or share personal and financial information,” U.S Attorney Kenneth Parker said in a statement. “As Valentine’s Day approaches, remember, never send money to someone you have only met online. If you are the victim of a romance scam, file a complaint at ic3.gov.”
Antwi is facing a sentence of between 24 and 30 months in prison and must pay restitution to victims of $291,150.
Antwi was one of eight people charged on Valentine’s Day 2018 in connection with the romance-scam money laundering. Six have received sentences ranging from 42 months in prison to 30 months of probation. One defendant remains at-large.
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