News Summary
Kenneth G. Akpieyi, 44, was convicted in Louisiana for his role in a multi-million dollar online romance scam that defrauded women through fake identities. He faces serious legal consequences and a sentencing date set for November 2025. The case highlights the emotional and financial impact of online scams on victims and emphasizes the importance of vigilance on social media.
New Orleans, Louisiana — Kenneth G. Akpieyi, a 44-year-old resident of Marietta, Georgia, has been convicted for his involvement in a multi-million dollar online romance scam. The verdict, reached on July 25 in a federal court in Louisiana, found Akpieyi guilty on all three counts of a superseding indictment including 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 announced this significant ruling following a trial that revealed Akpieyi’s elaborate scheme to defraud unsuspecting women through online platforms.
Evidence presented during the trial showed that Akpieyi participated in a deceptive romance scheme targeting women online, convincing them that they were engaged in genuine romantic relationships with individuals using fake identities, referred to as “fake Romeos.” By utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, Akpieyi and his associates created fictitious personas to establish emotional connections with their victims.
Once the fraudsters had gained the trust of their targets, communications were often moved to encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp, allowing them to manipulate and deceive the victims further. Under the alias “Phillip Anderson,” Akpieyi received funds from these individuals at his home in Georgia, employing his company, KGA Autobrokers, LLC, to funnel the stolen money through several bank accounts to obscure the transactions.
During the trial, a total of eight victims testified against Akpieyi, collectively reporting losses that exceeded $3 million. The revelations of the trial highlighted the extensive emotional and financial toll taken on these individuals due to the sophisticated nature of the scam.
Following the conviction, U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo set a sentencing date for November 5, 2025. Akpieyi now faces serious legal consequences, as the maximum penalties for his convictions are stringent. Each count of mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years. Additionally, fines for these charges can reach $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the scheme.
The conspiracy to commit money laundering is subject to similar maximum penalties, including a potential fine of $500,000. Furthermore, individuals convicted of these crimes may also be subject to supervised release terms of up to three years following their imprisonment.
This conviction represents a considerable step in addressing the issue of online scams that prey on individuals seeking companionship through digital means. It underscores the need for vigilance among users of social media and other online platforms. Victims of such schemes are often left with substantial emotional and financial damages, and law enforcement agencies emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activities to help combat these crimes.
As sentencing approaches, the case serves as a reminder of the intricate tactics that scammers use to exploit vulnerable individuals and the legal repercussions they face when caught. Authorities are urging the public to remain cautious while engaging in online interactions, especially those that involve financial transactions and personal information sharing.
In light of this case, it is clear that online romance scams continue to pose a threat in the digital age, prompting a need for increased awareness and preventative measures to protect potential victims from falling prey to sophisticated fraudsters.
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HERE Resources
Georgia Man Convicted in Multi-Million Dollar Online Romance Scam
Georgia Man Convicted in Multi-Million Dollar Romance Scam
Additional Resources
- Shreveport Times: Romance Scams Conviction
- Wikipedia: Romance Scam
- KSLA: Alleged Bank Fraud
- Google Search: Bank Fraud
- KTAL: Phone Scam Warning
- Google Scholar: Online Scams
- KTBS: Swepco Scam Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Multiple Scams in Louisiana
- Google News: Online Scams
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
