New Orleans, Louisiana, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Kenneth G. Akpieyi was convicted for his role in a romance scam that defrauded women online of over $3 million. The scam involved fake identities and emotional manipulation, primarily targeting victims on social media platforms. His sentencing is set for November 2025, with potential penalties including up to 20 years in prison for each count.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Kenneth G. Akpieyi, a 44-year-old man from Georgia, was convicted in a Louisiana federal court for his involvement in a significant romance scam that defrauded women online of more than $3 million. His conviction was announced on July 25, following a jury’s unanimous decision to find him guilty on all three counts of a superseding indictment related to the scheme.
The charges against Akpieyi included conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and mail fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana reported that Akpieyi played a critical role in the operation, which involved deceitful tactics to exploit victims seeking companionship.
During the trial, it was revealed that Akpieyi and his accomplices would create fake identities and pose as romantic partners, primarily targeting women on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Victims were led into emotionally engaging relationships before being solicited for money under false pretenses. Many requests claimed that the funds were needed for charitable endeavors or to assist sick family members, drawing on the victims’ compassion and emotional attachment.
Akpieyi, who operated from Marietta, Georgia, received funds from victims under the alias “Phillip Anderson” and utilized his business, KGA Autobrokers, LLC, to transfer the money through various bank accounts. This method allowed him to obscure the movement of the victims’ funds effectively.
During the trial, eight victims testified about their experiences, highlighting how they were manipulated and ultimately lost a combined total exceeding $3 million due to the fraudulent scam. Akpieyi’s sentencing is scheduled for November 5, 2025, where he faces significant legal repercussions for his actions.
The penalties for each count of mail fraud or conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud could reach a maximum of 20 years in prison, with fines up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, coupled with up to three years of supervised release after the prison term. The conspiracy to commit money laundering carries a similar maximum penalty, with a possible fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved. Additionally, a $100 mandatory special assessment fee applies to each count charged against Akpieyi.
This case illustrates a growing trend of online scams, particularly romance schemes that exploit vulnerabilities in the pursuit of partnership. The U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to warn the public about the dangers posed by online scams, encouraging individuals to maintain skepticism about online relationships and to be cautious before sending money to someone they have not met in person.
FAQ
- Who was convicted in the romance scam?
- Kenneth G. Akpieyi, 44, from Georgia.
- What was the amount defrauded from victims?
- More than $3 million.
- When did the conviction occur?
- July 25, in a Louisiana federal court.
- What charges did Akpieyi face?
- Conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and mail fraud.
- What platforms were used for the scam?
- Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- What alias did Akpieyi use?
- “Phillip Anderson.”
- When is Akpieyi’s sentencing scheduled?
- November 5, 2025.
- What are the maximum penalties Akpieyi could face?
- A maximum of 20 years in prison for each fraud count, fines, and potential supervised release.
- How many victims testified during the trial?
- Eight victims.
- What is the special assessment fee for each count?
- $100.
Key Features of the Romance Scam Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Convicted Individual | Kenneth G. Akpieyi |
| Age | 44 years old |
| Origin | Georgia |
| Total Losses | Over $3 million |
| Charges | Mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering |
| Victims Testified | Eight victims |
| Sentencing Date | November 5, 2025 |
| Max Penalty per Count | 20 years in prison |
| Special Assessment Fee | $100 per count |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: Romance Scams Case
- KSLA: Shreveport Contractor Scamming Victim
- KTAL: Shreveport Police Warns About Phone Scam
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: OnlyFans Fraud Investigation
- Black Chronicle: Fake Parking Citations in Shreveport
- Wikipedia: Romance Scam
- Google Search: Romance Scams Public Awareness
- Google Scholar: Romance Fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Scam
- Google News: Romance Scams
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