A Chillum, Maryland man was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.
Beginning in at least September 2019, and continuing through at least December 2022, Ndonwi conspired with others to devise a scheme to obtain money through materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. The scheme involved various non-delivery schemes, including victims throughout the United States who responded to internet websites offering the sale of pets such as dogs and horses.
After exchanging messages with the supposed seller of the pet, victims paid using a wire transfer or electronic-app transfer. Following the payments, victims never received the pet they paid for nor a refund.
Another scheme involved the non-delivery of agricultural goods, such as meat products. Victims, often from foreign countries and representing foreign businesses, responded to an alleged sale offer, and paid for goods using an interstate or international wire communication. After payment, the victims never received the ordered products nor a refund from the supposed seller.
The fraudster opened U.S. bank accounts to receive the proceeds from these schemes using fraudulent identifications. He received at least $930,105 in proceeds from the wire-fraud conspiracy which affected 10 or more victims.
Source: US Attorney, District of Maryland
